Nancy Workman Ballard's Obituary
Nancy Workman Ballard, a beloved wife, mom, nana, aunt, loving daughter, thoughtful sister, caring cousin, and incredible friend continued on to her “Great Reward” on October 1, 2024.
She was tremendously committed to many people in her life and displayed much kindness and care along with her independent opinions and stubbornness. She is extremely missed by all who knew her beautiful spirit and joyful presence.
Nancy was born on January 25, 1953, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Wendell and Reba (Burris) Workman. She was the beloved middle sister of older brother Ron and younger brother Wendell Jr. When Nancy was four, she moved to Searcy, AR where she experienced an idyllic childhood with several neighborhood friends to play with in a small-town environment. At the age of 12 her family moved back to Fayetteville, her true hometown.
Upon graduating from Fayetteville High School in 1971 she pursued her passion to teach, earning a degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education from Arkansas State University. Her passion for learning and education drove her to completing a graduate degree in Education from the University of Arkansas along with a Reading Specialist Certification.
With her credentials, Nancy went on to teach in the Fayetteville Public School system for 28 years. She taught elementary grades (1-5) as well as being a reading specialist. She loved the many years she taught at both Asbell and Vandergriff and built strong relationships with students and her fellow teachers. Her passion for supporting students in learning and reading was felt by all who knew Nancy.
In 1979 she married Stephen Ballard and they have been committed to each other for over 45 years. A few years after their marriage Nancy and Steve would start their family and have two boys, Slate Weston and Dylan Drake. Nancy was a wonderful mother who taught her boys to use their imagination, be a good friend and always keep learning.
She and Steve took their boys on many adventures throughout the United States, often traveling to tour National Parks. They regularly attended larger family gatherings such as the annual Workman Reunion, the Burris Reunion and the Ballard’s summer get together at Kiawah Island.
Nancy and Steve loved Beaver Lake and fulfilled their dream of building a log cabin on the lake. While Nancy tolerated Steve’s love of sailing, her passion was in her ski boat. She loved waterskiing and taking her boys, grandkids, family and friends out for boat rides.
Along with the lake, Nancy loved hiking in the Ozarks and gardening.
Nancy and some of her closest friends started a hiking group they named the Aqua Sox Society which has coordinated hiking trips for the last 30 years.
Nancy was an integral part of her community and a deeply committed friend. She was a member of the “Literatae” book club for the last 40 years. She was also an artist and craftsperson who gifted many friends with painted rocks and other homemade treasures. She was a member of the Krewe of Olympia for many years and was crowned the Queen of the Fayetteville Mardi Gras parade this year (2024). Nancy was a gamer, she loved playing bridge and canasta online with friends and sometimes against robots.
She enjoyed football and regularly attended Arkansas Razorback football games. She loved to call the Hogs with her Workman cousins both at home and away games.
Nancy was predeceased by her parents Wendell and Reba Workman as well as her brother-in-law John Ballard. She is survived by many loved ones who will treasure her memory and spirit: her devoted and loving husband Stephen Ballard, their sweet dog Maizy, her oldest son Slate Ballard, (wife Rachel) and grandkids Lily, August and Sol, her youngest son Dylan Ballard, (wife Katie Jo) and grandkids Gray and Henley, her older brother Ron Workman (wife Charlotte), her younger brother Wendell Workman Jr, her nephews Josh Workman (wife Amelia), Sam Workman (wife Amber), her sister-in-law Kay Ballard and nephews Jared Ballard (daughters Olivia and Emery), Drew Ballard (wife Braeleen), her goddaughter Sophie Stout, honorary sisters Kelly Wilks (husband Vince), Sonya Zweig (husband Mark), a host of Workman and Burris cousins along with many, many dear friends.
Please save the date for Nancy’s Celebration on Saturday, November 9th. Details to follow. Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s name to The Parkinson’s Foundation (https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Donation2?10243.donation=form1&df_id=10243&mfc_pref=T) or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout). Arrangements are with Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
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