Bobbie Ballard Mahanes

Bobbie Ballard Mahanes

Bobbie Ballard Mahanes, nee Norford, 87, of Keswick, passed away on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. She was born on January 28, 1925, the daughter of the late Myrle and Carrie Powell Norford. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her eldest brother, William "Buck" Norford; and her first husband of 49 years, Brady P. Ballard Jr. They were married on May 19, 1946, at the University of Virginia Chapel. From their union they raised two sons, Brady III and Kenny. She later married Charles Mahanes, now deceased, on April 13, 1996. Born and raised in Albemarle County, she was a member of Preddy Creek Baptist Church from childhood until her marriage to her first husband when she transferred her membership to First Christian, and later to Cherry Avenue Christian Church where she is currently a member. She attended Stony Point School, and graduated from McIntire High School in 1942. She immediately joined the workforce after graduation where she served ten years at Lowes Jewelry, twenty years at The Music Center, and later retired from The Boars Head Sports Club in 1990 after seventeen years of service. She loved accounting and working with finances. She was a charter member and past President of the Credit Women's Club, past President and member of the Does Club (Elks 389), and Women of the Moose. Bobbie has been historian for the Norford family for many years. She loved genealogy and edited the seasonal Norford Family History Book in 1988. She also enjoyed country music, dancing, reading, crocheting, University of Virginia sports especially women's basketball, traveling with Shenandoah Tour, and was able to cruise on the Norway in 1985 to the Caribbean and in 1990 to Alaska. Going to Myrtle Beach with a special group of friends was something she really enjoyed.

She had many interests and lived her life to the fullest. Most of all her pride and joy was her five wonderful grandchildren. Regardless of the sport or occasion "Nannie" was there to cheer them on. She is survived by her loving and devoted sons, Brady III and his wife, Donna, of Troy, and Kenny and his wife, Ashley, of Charlottesville; three grandsons, Jordan and John Ballard of Troy and Alex Ballard of Charlottesville; two granddaughters, Katherine and Kendall Ballard of Charlottesville The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2012, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home. A funeral service, to celebrate Bobbie's life, will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012, at the Hill and Wood Funeral Home chapel, officiated by Kathy Nicholls. This will be immediately followed by a graveside interment at Monticello Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Memorials at the Alzheimer's Association, 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 306, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or Hospice of the Piedmont at 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.