Peggy Ballard, age 98 of Carthage, Texas, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2010.

Graveside services for Mrs. Peggy Ballard will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2010, at Oaklawn Memorial Park near Center with Dr. Charles Dodson and Rev. Steve Jackson officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home of Carthage. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Mrs. Ballard passed away on Thursday morning, October 21, 2010, in Carthage.

Lola Dee "Peggy" Stanley Ballard was born on January 24, 1912, in Panola County, Texas to John Edward Chesley Stanley and Martha Susan Mathias Stanley. She graduated from Marshall High School, earned a bachelor's degree from East Texas Baptist University, and earned a master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Mrs. Ballard married Richard Aaron Ballard on April 1, 1934, and he preceded her in death on July 30, 1989, after 55 years of marriage. She was a teacher for over 40 years, having taught at Center and Logansport. Mrs. Ballard moved to Carthage in 1989, from Center. She was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Carthage and was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Center. She was also preceded in death by her son, Richard Stanley Ballard and all of her siblings.

Mrs. Ballard is survived by her daughter, Nancy Mills and husband Chester of Carthage; daughter-in-law, Rebekah Ballard of Lewisville; three grandchildren, Richard Steven Mills and wife Tina of Carthage, Scott Lee Mills of Fairfield, and Morgan Ballard Starnes and husband Curtis of Granbury; and five great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Judy Stallone and the entire staff of Marian Place of Carthage for the loving care given to Mrs. Ballard over the past seven years.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Central Baptist Church, 220 W. Sabine, Carthage, TX 75633 or Marian Place, 1690 NE Loop 59, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.