Van LeRoy Ballard, age 71, of Kendallville, formerly of Sturgis, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. Van was born in Sturgis, Michigan on October 24, 1952 to the late James Taylor Ballard and Beatrice (Adolphson) Ballard. He attended Sturgis High School and started working at Grumman Olsen. He later continued to work for various manufactured housing and RV companies, with his last job as a table saw operator from which he retired in 2017. Van was an avid golfer and loved to watch NASCAR. He loved spending time with his family.
Survivors include:
Son, Keith and Amy Ballard of Kendallville.
Son, Kevin and Rachel Ballard of Kendallville.
Son, James Fox of Kendallville.
14 grandchildren: Kaleb (Taylor) Ballard, Griffin Gust, Emma Ballard, Lucas Ballard, Zackery (Cassie) Ballard all of Kendallville; Kyle (Tasha) Ballard of Auburn; Sierra (Kevin) Ballard, Ashley (Dakota) Ballard of Ligonier; Vance Ballard of Sturgis, Michigan; Christopher (Haley) Ballard of Fort Wayne; Courtney (Justin) Ballard of Albion; Alex Mroz of Syracuse; Danielle Fox of Texas; and Dakota Fox of Mishawaka. Also surviving are 8 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Sister, Judy Lowe of Constantine, Michigan.
Brother, Rusty and Marsha Ballard of Sturgis, Michigan.
Brother, Jeff and Marcia Ballard of Sturgis, Michigan.
Brother, Steve Ballard of Sturgis, Michigan.
Van was preceded in death by his daughter, Lindsay Lynette Holler; his daughter-in-law, Cherri Fox; and his parents, James and Bea Ballard.
There are no services to be held at this time. A celebration of life memorial gathering will be held at a later date for close family and friends.
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