Obituary of Mary-Amanda Ballard

WELLSVILLE - Mary Amanda Bomberger Ballard, 98, a former resident of Wellsville, passed away Wednesday (March 21, 2012) at The Absolut at Houghton Nursing Home.She was born May 23, 1913, in Schaefferstown, Pa., a daughter of the late John and Sarah Krall Bomberger. On June 15, 1935, she married Clayton Arthur Ballard, who predeceased her Nov. 29, 1958.Mary was a graduate of the Nyack Missionary Training Institute, now Nyack College, and a longtime member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Wellsville, where she served as Sunday school superintendent, primary department, vacation Bible school teacher and hospitality hostess. Early in their married life, Mary and Clayton were in pastoral ministry in Allegany County.When economic times were hard, she worked part time. Otherwise, she was a consummate mother and homemaker for her two daughters and her husband. Following Clayton's death, she was employed until her retirement with the Air Pre-Heater Corp. in Wellsville. Mary loved being with her family and making wonderful meals for family and for visitors. She enjoyed history and keeping up with current events, was an avid reader and enjoyed doing many arts and crafts, including sewing, découpage and tole painting. Gardening flowers and vegetables was a lifelong love. She was quick to help others when she learned of a need. She loved serving her Lord Jesus in any way she could.Surviving are two daughters, Marilyn Ballard Hiler of Fillmore and Roselyn (Robert) Ballard Danner of Houghton; six grandchildren, David B. Danner, Maribeth (Joseph) Jennings, John (Katherine) Hiler, Nathan (Casda) Danner, Carolyn Hiler and Amy (David) Sperry; 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.Family and friends may gather at the Houghton Wesleyan Church on Tuesday (March 27, 2012) from 10 to 11 a.m., at which time funeral services will be held. The Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden, pastor, Pastor Todd Leach and the Dr. Rev. Joseph W. Jennings will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville. Memorials, if desired, may be made to The Christian and Missionary Alliance, Office of Donor Accounting, P.O. Box 35000, Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee St., Fillmore.