Terry Ellen Ballard

Terry Ellen Ballard, age 75, of Albia, IA, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa, IA. Terry was born on October 9, 1950, in Oskaloosa, IA, to James T. and Evelyn M. (Martin) Hopkins. She grew up in Albia alongside her twin sister, Sherry, and graduated with the Albia High School Class of 1969. She went on to attend Ottumwa Heights, where she earned her LPN degree and began a lifelong calling of caring for others. On November 29, 1975, Terry was united in marriage to Jack Ballard at the First Christian Church in Albia. They were blessed with 50 years of marriage and 2 daughters, Christy and Cathy. Terry dedicated her career to the health care field at Ottumwa Regional Health Center as an LPN, taking care of others with kindness and compassion for 34 years until her retirement in 2004. Terry was a woman of deep faith and was an active member of the First Christian Church in Albia for several years where she enjoyed exercising and visiting with the Lady Fit group. She was later a member of the Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon. In her younger years, she enjoyed riding horses, was a member of the Saddle Club, and enjoyed roller skating. Terry enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, camping and gardening. In her free time, she enjoyed reading books, putting puzzles together, and visiting with friends and family over coffee. She loved her dog, Lizzy, and above all else, she loved her family and cherished the time spent with them. Terry is survived by her beloved husband, Jack Ballard; her daughters, Christy (Mark) Hopkins and Cathy Ballard; 2 grandchildren, Elton and Grace Hopkins; a brother-in-law, Steve Gilland; a niece, Gina (Michael) Pastre; 2 great nephews, Wyatt (Ivy Garcia) Harner and Dominick Pastre. 3 sisters-in-law, Kay Ballard, Peggy (Ronnie) Logston, and Becky Ballard; 2 other nieces, Rebecca Holiday and April Moore along with many great nieces and nephews. Terry is also survived by many cousins and good friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Evelyn Hopkins; her twin sister, Sherry Gilland; her grandparents, William and Ellen Hopkins of Knox County, Kentucky and Clyde and Minnie Martin of Rose Hill, IA; a brother-in-law, Mike Ballard; several cousins; and her dog, Lizzy. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Terry’s family present to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Mark Clark officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date.

Terry Ellen Ballard

October 9, 1950 - December 28, 2025