Joyce Ballard Obituary

Joyce Elaine Ballard, age 85, of Saranac, went home to be with her Lord and Savior and reunited with her parents, Monday, January 27, 2025. Joyce was a longtime resident of Tyler, TX, but she spent her last few years in Saranac, MI, near her family. She was born on June 26, 1939, in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Martin and Marian (Sipple) Ballard.
Joyce graduated from Cedar Springs High School as Valedictorian, she then attended Spring Arbor College and moved onto Greenville College. She received her Master's Degree from Kent State, then obtained her PHD from The University of Illinois.
Joyce was a professor of Health and Kinesiology, at The University of Texas at Tyler for the majority of her career. She spent many years doing research on Osteoporosis of which she has numerous publications. Joyce did not have any children of her own, but her "kids" were her students of whom she spent countless hours mentoring and encouraging. Joyce loved exercising and she led a group of ladies every morning at the University for many years.
Joyce was an avid sports fan and loved attending any games that she could go to. In fact, for 6 years she taught at Pasadena College and had season tickets for the Dodgers. Her favorite NBA team was the Golden State Warriors and she watched and "coached" them religiously late into the night. Joyce also loved the opera and frequented productions while teaching near Chicago and Dallas.
Joyce enjoyed traveling around the world with friends and took a mission trip to Russia. She attended Green Acres Baptist Church and later First Baptist Church in Tyler Texas, where she sang in the choir.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Joanne (Richard) Cahoon; nieces, Kim Cahoon and Cindy (Rob) Koerner and nephew, Rick (Mandy) Cahoon; great nephews, Kyle Koerner, Bryce Cahoon and Caleb Cahoon; and long time friend, Marilyn Young of Tyler, TX.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Interim Hospice, Green Acres in Ionia and West Michigan Care Patrol.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements in care of Lake Funeral Home in Saranac. Memorial Contributions may be made to Interim Hospice, Saranac Community Church Food Pantry or Saranac Band Boosters.
Online Condolences can be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com