Adah Ruth Ballard

To my dear Dr. Ballard and family, I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. Ballard's passing. My fondest memory is of the Saturday we spent at the museum a few years ago with Frank and Adah Ruth as Frank brought me back down memory lane as our tourguide and Adah Ruth as our smiling companion. My heartfelt condolences to your family and my undying affection to you, Frank.

with love and appreciation,

Dear Mr. Ballard, I am so sorry to hear about Adah Ruth. I have so many fond memories of her from my years working at the museum. I will keep her in my thoughts always.

I feel lucky to have known Adah Ruth Ballard only briefly over the past two and a half years, since I became the director of the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry. Adah Ruth's loving devotion to Frank has been inspiring and enlightening, and her graciousness, friendliness, and unceasing support of our efforts at the Ballard Institute has been incalculably gratifying, something I will always cherish and remember.

I always appreciated Adah Ruth's smile, as I am sure everyone...

The following message is forwarded from Peter Lewis:

Please convey sincerest condolences from The Puppetry Guild of Greater New York.

Many years ago, a small group of NYC puppeteers visited UConn, and enjoyed a splendid puppet production of "Peer Gynt", directed by Frank.

This was followed by a lovely dinner at the Ballards' home. Ada Ruth was a charming and gracious hostess. It was a memorable evening!

Peter Lewis for PGOGNY, The Puppetry Guild...

I wish to send my sympathy to Mr. Ballard, David and Michael and family on the passing of Adah Ruth. This is a great loss. I worked with Frank and Adah Ruth at the Ballard Institute and Museum during museum's formative years. I was the board member who portrayed the museum's mascot, BIMP, and did balloon sculptures for visitors on openings of exhibits.
Ever since my time on the museum board, Adah Ruth was a good friend to me. I often inquired of her and Frank on various career moves...

I wish to express my condolences to Frank and sons. We were neighbors in Northwood Apartments in 1956 as newcomers from the Midwest. I will cherish the memory of Adah Ruth's kindness and thoughtfulness. My thoughts are with you.

Dear Frank, I was shocked and very saddened to read of Adah Ruth's passing. I will always remember how patient you and Adah Ruth were with our shenanigans when we were neighbors. With great sadness I send you my condolences.
Isobel Kaufman

Dear Frank, David, Michael and your entire families,
I was saddened to hear of the death of Adah Ruth. It is hard to find the right words but I hope you will feel my prayers of support for you all and know my thoughts of appreciation for having known, worked with, loved and cherished her.