Worthington High Schools Alumni Club - Deceased Classmates
First Name
Barbara
Maiden Name
Harman
Last Name
Ballard
Passing Date
1/7/2024
Class Attended
1959
High School
Worthington High School
Barbara Harman Ballard, 82, passed away peacefully at Saint John’s on the Lake in Milwaukee, WI on January 7, 2024, after facing Alzheimer’s disease with unwavering courage. She was the beloved wife of James (Jim) Ballard, loving mother of Brooke (Lee) Ballard Bechtold and Lisa Ballard, and cherished grandmother of Jack and Michael Bechtold, Emma Ballard, Elijah, and Jaylen Hardegree. Barbara, the oldest of three daughters born to Edwin Webb Harman and Mary Ellen Moore Harman, was a loving big sister to Pamela (Andy) Daugavietis and Marcia (Marvin) Buban. Raised in Worthington, Ohio, all three sisters graduated from Worthington High School. Barbara excelled as a top student, earning admiration for her exceptional writing skills. After earning her degree from The Ohio State University in 1963, Barbara pursued further studies at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. In 1965, she joined the editorial staff of Scott Foresman Publishing Company in Chicago, under the leadership of editor-in-chief Landon Risteen, who mentored her editorial skills and saw value in her professional process. Barbara's career achievements and enduring friendships with colleagues inspired her to engage in various causes throughout her life. It was during this time that she met her husband, professional photographer Jim Ballard, whom she married in 1967 at The Cathedral of Saint James in Chicago. Initially settling in Winnetka, IL, Barbara and Jim raised daughters Brooke Taylor and Lisa Catherine. Barbara, a faithful student in the Education for Ministry program, and her family were members of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Evanston, IL, Saint Augustine's Episcopal Church in Wilmette, IL., and Trinity Episcopal Church in Mineral Point, WI, where she developed a meaningful dialogue with God about her Alzheimer’s. As Jim transitioned to freelance photography, Barbara became his business partner and travel companion. They explored the world together, capturing adventures through Jim's lens and vividly described in Barbara's writing. A strong advocate for education and equality, Barbara volunteered with the League of Women Voters, at the Chicago Field Museum and she championed those affected by AIDS in the 1980’s and ‘90’s, contributing to the Names Project quilt that toured the US for decades. Longtime residents of Dodgeville, WI, Barbara was an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast, finding solace in the woods and embracing the vibrant artisan community. A dedicated board member of the local Trout Unlimited chapter, she and Jim often enjoyed summer evenings listening to the frogs sing at the base of Berg Road from the front seat of their green farm truck.
