Alta Ballard

Alta Mae Ballard, age 80, of Dover, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville.

She was born July 15, 1945, in Buck Mountain, Arkansas, to the late Everett and Bessie (Casey) Rickel.

Alta was a lifelong resident of Dover and a proud graduate of Dover High School. She devoted 29 years of dedicated service to the Dover Public Schools Cafeteria, where her warm smile and caring nature touched countless students and staff.

She was a woman of deep faith and a member of the Baptist church. Alta loved crafting, arranging flowers, and creating thoughtful gifts for family and friends. Her creativity, kindness, and quiet strength were evident in all she did.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Doyle Ballard; her parents; and her brother, Bobby Rickel.

She is survived by two sisters, Melvina Minks of Dover and Wanda (Don) Williamson of Dover; ten nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, October 20, 2025, at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville, with Rev. Rick Smith officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Dover, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home.

Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.