Ronald D. Ballard

Ronald Dean Ballard, 68, lifelong resident of Pleasant Hill, was born August 30, 1957, in Harrisonville, the son of Harley D. and Alice K. (Hutchens) Ballard. He departed this life Friday, March 20, 2026, at his home.

At a young age Ron had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor that left him with some physical disabilities. This led him to attend the Sheltered Workshop in Harrisonville, and he was the first graduate of the program. He finished high school in Pleasant Hill graduating in 1975. He furthered his education at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield and later attended Longview Community College in Lee's Summit.

In December 1986, he was united in marriage to Michelle Brown in Pleasant Hill; they divorced in 1993. On May 18, 2002, he was united in marriage to Theola Groat; they divorced in 2009.

Ron was employed as a file clerk for the Marine Corps Finance Center in Kansas City retiring in 2011. He was a lifetime member of the Pleasant Hill First Christian Church where he served in many capacities including Deacon and Elder and was active in the Christian Men's Fellowship. He was also an active member of Lions International. He served as secretary and president for the Pleasant Hill Lions Club and served as District Deputy and District Governor. He was an avid reader, a Chiefs and Royals fan, enjoyed playing chess, and loved playing BUNCO at the monthly church gatherings.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Harley Ballard on January 26, 2017, and one sister Patricia "Patti" Alexander on June 6, 2025.

He is survived by his mom, Alice Ballard of Pleasant Hill; three siblings, Mark (and Mary) Ballard of St. Charles, Susan (and Richard) Miles of Warrensburg, and Mary Dunn of Independence; brother-in-law, Rick Alexander of Pleasant Hill; nine nieces and nephews, Jason (and Beth) Ballard, Shawn (and Cara) Ballard, Daniel Ballard, Preston Alexander, Kevin (and Crystal) Alexander, Josh (and Brittany) Alexander, Hillary (and Michael) Fleak, Melissa (and Josh) Spears, and Kara Vasalinda; 13 great nieces and nephews; two great nephews; other relatives and friends.

Cremation has been accorded.

Visitation and a memorial service was held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the funeral home. Pastor Janice Hill officiated.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Hill First Christian Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550