Rose Marilyn Ballard

Rose Marilyn Clements Ballard passed peacefully in her home on January 14, 2026, surrounded by her children, with her rosary in hand. Her unwavering faith, love, and grace will forever be etched in her family's hearts.

Born on October 2, 1934, Marilyn was a woman of remarkable strength, kindness, and humility. She was a quiet force, living a life that spoke volumes through her actions rather than words. Her love and guidance shaped her children, who admired her gentle but firm nature and, even as adults, will continue to aspire to live as she did.

A gifted seamstress, quilter, cook, and crafter, Marilyn was also a prayer warrior whose faith was as steadfast as it was deep. She saw God's beauty in all things, especially in her beloved garden, where her hands worked wonders, tending vegetables and flowers with a love that made anything grow.

Faith and family were of utmost importance to her. She and her husband, Jerry, brought seven children into this world in a home that was always open to neighbors and friends. Her life was a testament to selflessness and devotion to both family and community.

She worked for the Cabinet of Human Resources before marrying and raising her children. She managed the cafeteria at St. Thomas and Immaculate Conception Schools and after her youngest went to school she worked for Bardstown City Schools as secretary for twenty plus years. A dedicated member of St. Thomas Parish for 64 years, she served on the Parish Council, PTA, and various committees. Her most meaningful ministry was her 20 years on the Bereavement Team, helping grieving families plan funerals and offering a listening ear during their most difficult times.

A devoted member of several community and church groups—including Homemakers, Adult Education, book clubs, exercise and walking groups—she cherished time spent with friends and family through travel, games, puzzles, golfing, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

Though she felt she never did enough, the love and kindness she shared with everyone she met will never be forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Martha Clements of Springfield, Kentucky; her husband of 54 years, Jerry Ballard; her son, Daniel Ballard; her grandson, Chad Hurst; her infant granddaughter, Sarah Sprigg; and her siblings Fred, Jean, Tillie, Juanita, Pat, Jimmy, Tom, Sue, Jerry, and Deanie.

She is survived by six children: Martha (Frank) Diebold, Jerry Ballard Jr., Rosemary (Ted) Miller, Theresa (Lloyd) Hurst, Mark (Terri) Ballard, and Ellen (Billy) Sprigg; fourteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; siblings Bob (Mary) Clements and Joe (Marcia) Clements; brother in law Leon (Karolton), sister in law Lois Ballard and dear friends who were blessed by her presence in their lives.

Visitation will be held at St. Thomas Parish in St. Teresa Hall on Sunday, January 18, from 3:00–8:00 p.m. Prayers and fond memories will be shared at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church on Monday, January 19, at 10:00 a.m., burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Thomas Church or the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Missions.

We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, surrounded by the love of God, and forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rose Marilyn Ballard, please visit our floral store.