Gayla Ballard

February 10, 1955 - February 20, 2022

Gayla Ballard was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She departed this life Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the age of 67 following a battle with cancer and covid. She was born to Johnie and Fern Tettleton on February 10, 1955 in St. Louis, MO. The sixth of seven siblings, she knew the value, strength and joy of a large family. She graduated from Doniphan High School and through the years worked a variety of careers including sawmill operator and school lunch lady. In 1974 she married James Ballard and began her life’s work as a homemaker and mother. Raising four children in a loving and orderly home was something she made look both easy and selfless. She provided wise advice, a willing ear to listen and practical suggestions in a kitchen that always had the favorite dessert of whomever was sitting at her table. That effortless ability to provide love and support grew to its full capacity as she transitioned into her role as grandmother (Meme) and eventually great-grandmother. For her grandchildren there was no better lap to sit in, no prouder smile, and no better maker of chocolate gravy. Services will be held at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy by Pastor Jeff Jackson. Visitation Wednesday, February 23 from 6-8:00pm. Funeral Thursday, February 24 at 11:00am. A graveside interment ceremony will be at Carson Hill Cemetery in Mill Spring, Missouri on Friday, February 25 at 2:00pm. Gayla is survived by her husband, James Ballard of Searcy Arkansas. She is survived by three children, Jammie Clemons ( and husband John) of Searcy, Arkansas, Paul Ballard (and wife Kandace)of Bossier City, Louisiana and Sara Kay Hoeg (husband Todd) of Eureka Springs, Arkansas and one daughter-in-law, Kayla Ballard of Judsonia. She is survived by 8 grandchildren; Nathan Jordan (Jessica) Springfield Missouri, Emily Stiles (Austin) Springfield Missouri, Matilda Hoeg, Ian and Christine Clemons, James Hamilton and Parker Ballard, and Brittany Hale. Also surviving are two siblings, Glenda Joplin of Naylor, Missouri and Kaye Hudson (Leon) of Hillsboro, Missouri, 11 great-grandchildren and many more nieces, nephews and others who treasured her. She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 siblings; Henry Tettleton, Betty Davis, Gene Tettleton and Dwight Tettleton, as well as son James Roy Ballard and granddaughter Mackinzie Vermillion. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation is made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her name. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.