Marilyn R. Ballard

Marilyn Ruth (Botkins) Ballard was born on October 20, 1941 to Malcolm 'Hap' and Della Botkins in Caro, Michigan.  She went to her eternal rest on November 21, 2022 at the age of 81. She began her journey of faith with her Baptism on November 9, 1941 and then claimed that faith as her own on her Confirmation June 5, 1955.
Surviving Marilyn are her three children and their spouses: Deadra (Dan) Hurley of Bay City, Andrea (Don) Beson of Bay City, and Scott (Aimee) Ballard of Akron. Also six grandchildren, their spouses, and 14 Great-Grandchildren: Joshua (Sara) Hurley - Alexander, Cameron; Danielle (Jon) Kleinert - Sienna; Matthew (Crystal) Hurley - Journey, James, Lincoln; Amanda (Drew) Vanderwest - Mikayla, Samantha, Peyton, Brooklyn; Heather Warren - Carson, Sophia, Maleah; Jordan Ballard; Tyler (Haley) Aldrich - Parker; as well as one brother, Robert (Sherill) Botkins of Ontonagon and niece, Monica (Travis) Kangas - Kara, Aspyn. Marilyn was preceded in death by both of her parents, Malcolm 'Hap' & Della Botkins, as well as her granddaughter, Skyler Rose Ballard.
Marilyn was a graduate of Fairgrove High School and earned her BA in Elementary Education at Saginaw Valley College.  She then earned her MA in Reading at Saginaw Valley State College.  She put all this education to good use by teaching 33 years at Akron-Fairgrove Schools, in both second grade and as a reading specialist.  She was awarded Akron-Fairgrove Teacher of the Year by the Board of Education for the school year 1989-90.  Marilyn was also involved in the extra-curricular activities of her students which included roles such as Cheerleading Advisor and assisting in the press box for the A-F Invitational Track Meets.
Very active in her home congregation at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairgrove, Marilyn served her Lord in a variety of ways like Sunday School Superintendent, Choir Director, Parish Planning Secretary, and Ladies Aid.  In addition to singing in the church choir, she also played an active part in the Akron-Fairgrove Community Singers even co-writing the memorial tribute 'For Such a Time as This' for September 11th.  This was a collaboration with several Lutheran choirs of Bay County.  She enjoyed singing so much, she joined the Bay Chorale and traveled abroad several times with the group to sing in the magnificent cathedrals of Europe.
As an educator and involved member of the community, Marilyn touched many lives including that of a cousin who so aptly wrote, "She is such a beautiful example of living a life for Jesus in all you do, think and say."
The family would like to thank all the care-givers who showed such loving kindness for Marilyn throughout these past seven years, especially Tonya Timm and Wendy Kloha.
Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Monitor, 20 E. Salzburg Rd. Family and Friends will be received at Gephart Funeral Home, 201 W Midland St. in Bay City on Friday, November 25 from 4:00 to 8:00pm. and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be served. Interment will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to: Fairgrove District Library (Children's Area); Grace Lutheran Church, Fairgrove; or Trinity Lutheran Church, Monitor (Building For the Future).