William "Bill" Lee Ballard

William “Bill” Lee Ballard, age 80 of Hale, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2016 at home surrounded by his family. Bill was born May 22, 1936 to Carl and Esther Ballard in Detroit, MI. Bill married Janet Marie Weiler on November 26, 1955 at St. Rita’s Church in Detroit. Bill has lived in Hale since 1989, formerly of Utica. Bill was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Hale, Cadillac Club, Buick Club, Motor State Street Rods, Rods & Relics, National Hot Rod Association, and past member of the Lions Club. He liked going to Autorama, Woodward Dream Cruise, and Frankenmuth Auto Fest. He was an avid car collector, and loved car cruises, spending time with his family, bon fires with grandchildren, boating, golfing, going out on his property, and putting his family to work, especially washing cars. Bill was self-employed for over 50 years in Ferndale, Utica, and West Branch. Bill was a loyal, faithful husband and very generous person especially with his family and others.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janet Ballard of Hale, children; Judy Skarvi of Swartz Creek, William Ballard Jr. of West Branch, Teresa (Mark) VanAlst of Clio, Dawn Berger of Oxford, grandchildren; Melissa (Mark) Fideli, Rebecca and Abby Ballard, Zach and Hannah VanAlst, Sebastian Berger, and great-grandchildren; Vince and Hudson Fideli. Also surviving is brother, Jim (Mary) Ballard of Shelby Twp. and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents, sister, Betty Lou Shelley, brother, Richard “Dick” Ballard, and loving daughter-in-law, Terri Ballard.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 2-8 PM. A Rosary will be said at 7:00 PM. The Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Hale, MI at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 AM until time of Mass. Father Joe Ortega will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice or St. Pius X Church, P.O. Box 428, Hale, MI 48739.