February 15, 1930 – April 11, 2024
Afton Ballard peacefully passed away on April 11, 2024, in Parker, Colorado, at the age of 94. She was born on February 15, 1930, in LaVerkin, Utah, to Wayne and Amelia (Webb) Wilson.
Afton was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in various callings and sharing her numerous talents, including her gift for music, to uplift and teach others. Afton’s life was a testament to her love for her family and faith.
She is survived by her children: Evan Anthony Ballard [Pam], Elaine Brown [Larry], Keith Ballard, Robert Kent Ballard [Kari], Michael Darwin [Debra] and Mary Annette (Annie) Harned [Frank]. Afton also leaves behind her brother Dale Wilson and Sister Janet Wright.
Afton’s love story with her eternal companion Anthony (Tony) Ballard, was one for the ages. They met and fell in love in the second grade. Eleven years later they were married for time and eternity in the Manti Temple. Their bond resulted in six children, 32 grandchildren, and, so far, 52 great-grandchildren. Although Tony preceded her in death in 2009, their love continues to inspire all who knew them.
Services to celebrate Afton’s life will be held on April 27, 2024, at 11:30am. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 36 S Center Street, Orderville, UT 84758. There will be a viewing from 10:00am-11:00am prior to the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to LDS Philanthropies. https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org
You are invited to watch the funeral services through the livestream link below.
Watch Live or On-Demand (switcherstudio.com)
I had the honor to be Afton’s ministering sister for the past three years and I liked to refer to her as my adopted grandma! My kids and I grew to love her deeply over the years and are sad that we no longer get to visit with her. It didn’t take long to fall in love with Afton with her loving eyes that would shine the light of Christ, her sweet voice as she hummed and sang along to any song she heard, and her positive optimistic attitude. I am so happy for her to finally be reunited with her sweetheart. Her face would light up anytime she talked about her husband… She missed him and loved him so much! She blessed my life in so many ways and I’m grateful for the time I had with her!
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Dr. And Mrs Ballard for over forty years. Dr. Ballard was my sons orthopedic surgeon in Miami. My special bond was with Grandma Afton she saw me thru divorce, deaths, heartache and joy. I treasure all my visits to their little cabin in the woods as Dr. Ballard called it. Both before and after Dr. Ballards death. I always felt welcomed and loved there.
I will miss them both. I’ll never forget Aftons words to me when I was complaining about people she said “Everyone is here for a reason even if it’s just so you can say I’m glad I’m not like that”