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Mrs. Odessa Ballard, 89, of Andalusia, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at Andalusia Manor.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m., at Able Cemetery in Gantt with Brother Wayne Sharpe officiating and Foreman Funeral Home directing. No formal visitation is scheduled; the family will visit with friends at the cemetery. Family and friends will best remember Odessa for her unwavering faith as a Christian, her fierce determination, and her generous spirit, having spent a life of placing the care and service of family and others before her own.

Odessa had a love of quilting, a hobby she used as an extension of her charitable nature by having gifted hundreds (if not more) of her beautiful handmade blankets to various friends, family, neighbors, as well as those less fortunate. Odessa was as smart as she was benevolent. She graduated high school and was an accomplished bookkeeper for several local retail stores for many years. Odessa’s true work passion, however, and the times she was happiest in her work was as a cook at the Andalusia Senior Center, which was an experience that brought her much joy.

Odessa will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William Glenn and Perri Ballard of Andalusia; daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Aaron Ridgdill of Spokane, Washington; four grandchildren: John Jason Youngblood, William Andrew Ballard, Anthony Ballard, Toni Evans; three great-grandchildren: Austin Randall Ballard, Asher Kye Ballard, and Annie Evans; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William Austin Ballard, and five sisters.

Pallbearers will be Max Sikes, Andy Ballard, Anthony Ballard, Ronald Ballard, Shawn Foshee, and Evan Evans. Honorary pallbearers will be Wesley Thompkins, Clarence Lint, Robert Williams, and Richard Courson.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Comfort Care Hospice, employees of Andalusia Manor, and members of Gantt Baptist Church with the care and concern they have shown Mrs. Ballard; as well as their deepest appreciation for Sue Wambles who took great care of Mrs. Ballard.

Those wishing to sign the online registry may do so at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.