Tu Ballard

ELIDA -- Tu "Hanh" Thi Ballard, 68, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022 at 10:15am at the family homestead in Elida, Ohio after a difficult battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving husband, devoted children, and grandchildren.

Hanh was born December 3, 1953 in Rach Kien, South Vietnam as the second oldest and first daughter of twelve children born to parents, Ut V. and Phan T. (Huynh) Nguyen and both who preceded her in death. Hanh was an extremely proud big sister who gave selflessly to her 6 brothers (1 deceased) and 5 sisters all who continue to reside in Vietnam. At a young age, her parents instilled the importance of family, hard work and the value of a strong education. These strong family values led her to care and provide for her family.

During the Vietnam War, while working on a US Military base, Hanh fell in love with the man of her dreams and on November 11, 1972, she and Nichlas "Nick" Ballard, who survives, married. In addition to raising a family, instilling family traditions, and making many homecooked meals, Hanh proudly worked at JCPENNEY'S in the Lima Mall.

Hanh was a loving wife who was devoted to Nick, her husband of 49 years, and her two daughters: Amber (Foster) Kennedy, and Jessica (Andy) Rippke. She cherished being a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend and loved nothing more than surrounding herself with family, especially her grandchildren who were everything to her: Andrew, Benjamin, and Jacqueline. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and countless lifelong friends who have become family all of whom cherish her memory and enjoy the love she so easily shared.

When Hanh was not tirelessly working around the homestead with Nick or spending time spoiling her grandchildren, she loved to witness others enjoy her delicious cooking and share her green thumb. Many will remember Hanh for her abounding amounts of energy and tiny frame, but all will treasure her mighty, big heart that welcomed and made all feel loved and accepted.

Hanh loved family and thought of Nick's family as her own. Nick's siblings: Joseph (Esther) Ballard, Arkansas; Carole (Dr. David) Kommer, Delaware, Ohio; Kristi M. (Richard deceased) Greaser, Bowling Green, Ohio; and Gary Ballard, San Diego, California. Preceded in death by her mother-in-law Mary J. (Buettner) Ballard.

A Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 12:00pm at Chiles - Laman Funeral Homes, Shawnee Chapel.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 25, 2022 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Shawnee Chapel and one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Homecare & Hospice Putnam County HomeCare & Hospice - Donate (pchh.net)

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.