Patricia Penley Ballard

Mrs. Ballard was born in Buncombe County and was a daughter of Lloyd and Laura Penley of Candler. She was a graduate of Blanton’s Business College and retired from Enka/BASF with 30 years service. She was a member and former church treasurer at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Ballard was an avid tennis player and member of the WNC Tennis Association. She also loved to travel and play bridge.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband of 44 years, Carroll Kirk Ballard; two daughters, Laura Jean Swift and her husband Bill Swift of Virginia and Lisa Ballard of Asheville; three sisters, Sandra Purcell of Brevard, Phyllis Patton of Asheville, and Veronica Crook of Candler; one brother, Michael Bogle of Australia; and three grandchildren, Joshua, Sarah and Taylor Swift of Virginia.

A service of celebration of her life will ba 11:00 am Tuesday at Francis Asbury United Methodist Chruch with the Rev. Karen Miller officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Ballard will be taken to the church Monday evening where her family will receive friends from 6 - 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Area Hospice Solace Center, PO Box 16, Asheville, NC 28806.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is in charge of the arrangements.

“Grace was in her steps; heaven was in her eyes; in every gesture was dignity and love.”