Arlene M. (Anderson) Ballard

It is with profound sadness we announce the death of Arlene M. Ballard. She was born on August 24, 1932, in Flint, Michigan to her parents, Robert E. Anderson and Mollie Miller Anderson.  Arlene passed away on July 1, 2025, at the age of 92, preceded by her beloved husband, Ronald C. Ballard.

Arlene and Ron were married for 73 years and had quite an epic love story. They met at age 14. Their story began with a first kiss on the front porch of her parents’ house, Ronnie pursuing her ever-after; telling this story with a grin. They both graduated from Flint Northern High School, played sports and being avid natural athletes. Shortly after they married, Ron was called to serve in the Koreon War. Arlene would tell us it was on base she perfected baking the family’s favorite banana cream pies. It was her weekly contribution to Friday card nights with other officers and wives. She was known for her outgoing nature, flair for entertainment, love of fashion, beauty, as well as her lifetime athleticism. She excelled at bowling, tennis and golf. Yes, she could claim “hole in one” status, with a passion driving her to achieve her coveted low handicap. She was a member of the Flint Junior Women’s Club, her Vis-A-Vi Group, Flint Golf Club, and First Presbyterian Church.

She and Ron were owners of a family business, Typewriter Exchange/Office Products Center.  She was proud of her work in Office Administration, Interior Design and Sales. The company offered the opportunity to travel to many countries around the world. Arlene would make countless friends and acquaintances on these trips. Enjoying adventures together with Ron, they would capture their memories in photos that spanned their years together. Before and after retirement, countless time was spent summers at “the cottage” on Higgins Lake, escaping Michigan winters in their Florida homes. Arlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, friend, who fiercely loved her big extended family; never missing a celebration, family reunion, or opportunity for a fun party.  She was gifted with culinary talent and all who knew her enjoyed so many delicious meals, wherever life took her. She was very proud of her German/Swedish heritage, loved a good debate engaging in active conversation enjoying lots of laughter.  Arlene remained active through her 90’s, beautiful every day, dressed to perfection, armed with a zeal for life, an abiding faith, now and forever smiling in Heaven.

Arlene is survived by:

Jill Ballard Page & Richard C. Page Jr.(husband) - grandson’s, Richard C. Page III, Robyn McCue (wife), Robert Tanner Page, Meredith Page (wife), Everly Victoria Page (great-granddaughter), Nolan Campbell Page (great-grandson).

Gregory R. Ballard, & Cathy Hiltz (partner,) granddaughter, Stephanie B. Bache, Jamie Bache (husband), great-grandson, Boden Bache, grandson, Chase Ballard, granddaughter Andrea Klingbeil, Nickolas Graybiel (husband), great- grandson’s, Jacab, Jason, James Reeb, great grand-daughter, Harper Graybiel.

Joni Ballard Rowse, Richard Rowse III, (husband), grandson’s, Richard Rowse IV, Tyler Rowse, Parker Rowse.

Gary R. Ballard, granddaughter, Madison Ballard, grandson Ryder Ballard, granddaughter, Josie Ballard

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 11:00 am

First Presbyterian Church, 746 Saginaw St. Flint, MI  48502

Flowers or a donation can be made to First Presbyterian Church.

Arlene will be laid to rest joining her husband Ron Ballard

@ Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd, Holly, MI   48442

At the service we will share knowing and loving her, we will show our gratitude in our memories, blessings, giving thanks to God for her, as she touched all our lives, forever still in our hearts and now in Heaven.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.