Sylvia Jo Ballard

Mama was born at home, the 2nd daughter of the Lane family. A lantern fell on the porch to announce her arrival. Her father was absent a lot and her mother had to work. So, when the oldest sister Margaret had to finally go to work also, the child rearing was left to Mama.

On December 29, 1949 in Columbus Ga, Mama married Carl Ballard. At first, they hadn’t properly met. But after talking on the phone for 6 weeks they finally decided to meet, and as they say, the rest is history. He asked her to marry him every time they got together and finally she said yes. She was 15, He was 21.

The next year, Alice Estelle Ballard was born. Then, 4 years later Lora Denise Ballard joined their family. Though they thought they were done having children, Carl and Sylvia were surprised 14 years later when Alicia Lynn Ballard was born. The door to family was always open, and they all welcomed a stepsister, Linda Mikis.

The family moved to Montgomery, Alabama for a better job. They finally moved to Wichita, Kansas also for better employment in June of 1972, where they settled.

For a time, the families grew apart due to physical distance. However, they began to come together in Wichita, until all of us were together again.

In October of 1987 Mama and Daddy were both baptized. They both also went back to school together and earned their GEDs. Mama went on to take some college classes at WSU.

Mama was a homemaker most of her married life and when Daddy passed in October of 1989, her world was shattered. A fellow church member offered her a job watering flowers at Tree Top Nursery and she was on her way to feeling somewhat normal. After that, she worked at the deli at McConnell AFB for a while, and was starting a clothing ministry in her basement.

Her church, Full Gospel Chapel, built a building to house her clothing ministry, Garments of Praise and Bread of Life food ministry. Garments of Praise was set up like a store, so folks could have the shopping experience picking out new clothes. She would not put anything out that she would not wear. And she said, you have to help them all or you will miss the one that needs it.

Granddaughter Leisa Cruse Zawada recalls, “My grandma was one of the strongest, most loving people I have ever known. She would give you the shirt off her back. She literally clothed half of Wichita with her Clothing Ministry that she started thru her church. She was called to love and love without measure. Her family was by her side as she departed this earth. The love that surrounded her was truly amazing. Grandma helped raise all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her heart was so big that she adopted so many more grandchildren. Our hearts are broken, but we know that her legacy will live on through everyone she has touched.”

After 25 years at the ministry, she had to let it go.

Mama was always working, volunteering, and watching babies. Leaving the ministry only meant she would have more time with her babies, which is what she did. At 86 she adopted Jackson and Theo in the last 6 months. Her love for Jesus, her family and her babies was her life.

She also loved crafting. She made Christmas stockings for every family member, and they will now be beloved keepsakes.

Monty Jr. sums up well how everyone felt about Mama – “People will disappoint you, but grandma never did.”

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; grandchildren, Robert Allen (Debra) Nolen, and Christopher John Inman; siblings, Margaret L. (Bill) Alexander, Albert Franklyn (Kay Burnham) Lane, and Alex Eugene “Gene” (Claudette) Lane.

She is survived by her children, Alice Estelle (Eugene) Stafford, Lora Denise (Monty) Cruse, Alicia Lynn (David) Wolgamuth, and Linda (Dave) Mikis; grandchildren, Carl Jeffrey Nolen, Adam Lane (Christina) VonCannon, John Christopher (Tonya) Inman, Monty Collins Cruse, Jr., Leisa Joann (Mark) Zawada, Bradley (Melodie) Blevins, Christopher Wolgamuth, Carly Jo Wolgamuth, Steve (Nancy) Huerd, Becky (Dave) Gaige, Liz Huerd (Scott) Vanderberg, Eric Stafford, Sonny Stafford, and April Stafford; great-grandchildren, Jennifer Denise Nolen, Robert Allen Nolen, Jr., Michael Nolen, Taylor Nolen, Tessa Nolen, Adrianna VonCannon, Gracie Jean VonCannon, Kaylia VonCannon, Ashlynn VonCannon, Skylar VonCannon, Brittany (Stephen) Clouser, Neveah Inman, Jayden Inman, Noah Alexander (Libby) Cruse, Sophia Overcast, Abigail Lynn Zawada, Alexander Andrzej Zawada, Lucas Blevins, Harper Blevins, Matt Huerd, Jon Huerd, Sally (Shane) Farrow, Max Butterfield, Paul Butterfield, Kohl Vanderberg, Erick Vanderberg, III, Samantha Stafford, Alexis Stafford, Eric Stafford, Jr., Devin Stafford, Justice Stafford, and Jaiden Stafford; adopted grandbabies, Cheryl Bass, Erica Wiggins Snyder, Zach Wiggins, Benjamin Wiggins, Tracy Blaha Bunch, Todd Blaha, Gage Blaha, Jackson Lambdin, and Theo Lambdin; great-great grandchildren, Marly Closier, Cybill Closier, and Sienna Closier; siblings, Betty Joyce Crawford, and Sue Carol Lane; and many nieces and nephews.