Lyla Josephine Ballard

Lyla Ballard Canton Lyla Josephine Ballard, 90, passed away at 4:10 a.m., Monday November 2, 2015 at Graham Hospital in Canton. She was born on March 30, 1925 to Lyman and Josephine Chambers. Lyla was a lifelong resident of Canton. She married Robert H. Ballard while he was serving his country in World War II. They were married for 58 years. She was a lifelong Christian, active in the ministry of different United Methodist Churches. First at Locust Street Evangelical United Methodist Church. When it closed, she transferred to White Chapel United Methodist Church, where she remained a member until her passing. Lyla was known for doing the good that she could, including playing the piano at the churches she attended as well as serving the Lord where she could. Her husband and one son Mark Ballard, her parents, a sister, Lucille Deford, a brother Dale Chambers, and some nieces and nephews preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter Laurlyn (Jerry) Sawyer, grandchildren; Robert (Linda) VanHootegem, Raymond (Diane) VanHootegem, Mark (Amy) Sawyer, and Jeri Sue Rivera. Great-grandchildren; Callie, Katie, Brooke, Christine, Alexa, Ellie, and Luke. Lyla was employed at Intern...[more]

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onal Harvester, where she was known as the insurance lady in the front office. She enjoyed her family and Harvester Girls and attending her High School Class functions. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, where visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. Memorials may be made to White Chapel United Methodist Church, Smile Train, Canton YMCA swim team, or Galesburg High School swim team. Please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com to view Lylas tribute or post condolences.