Shirley Ann Ballard, 71, of Niles passed away on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at Silverbrook Manor following an illness.

She was born on Dec. 14, 1937 in Tullahoma, Tenn. to the late Gordon and Wanda (Honey) Bennett.

Shirley enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing and gardening. She liked going to auctions and buying antiques. Also, watching UFC and Animal Planet on TV, but most of all spending time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold Ballard; parents; and two brothers, Wayne Bennett and Milton Bennett.

Shirley is survived by three sons; Joe Whitfield Jr. of Niles, Greg Ballard of Union and Jamie Ballard of Niles; four daughters; Belinda (Daniel) Byrd of Niles, Debbie (John) Davis of Schwartz Creek, Mich., Gina (Tim) Karasek of St. John’s, Mich. and Wendy Jordan of Niles; 14 grandchildren; two brothers; Kenneth Bennett and Neal Bennett, both of Tennessee.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.