Verna Ballard

BALLARD, Verna Constance Born February 13, 1929 – April 15, 2024. Aged 95 years.

Verna Constance Ballard (Cooper) was born February 13, 1929 in Langenburg, Saskatchewan. Verna lived the last 7 ½ years of her life at the Crocus Court Personal Care Home in Roblin, Manitoba. She passed away April 1, 2024 at the age of 95 years old.

Verna was the youngest of 11 children born to William and Maude Cooper. At an early age, the family moved to Shortdale, Manitoba. She attended Gilbert School, completing her formal education at grade 9. Verna wanted to become a hairdresser but that was not to be.

Verna married David Ballard on March 5, 1948. Together they operated a mixed farm in the Roblin area. Verna and David raised a family of 6 children. They retired in 1983 and became part of the local coffee club.

Verna and ladies of her ilk were the fabric that kept the family together and the family farm functional.

 If a Human Resources employee was to write a job description for Verna, what would it look like? Perhaps something like this:

Job Title: Domestic Agricultural Engineer (Farm Wife)

Duties:

• Managing and maintaining the family household.
• Feeding the family.
• Planting, maintaining and processing the family garden.
• Provider of required health care services.
• Keeper of the peace.
• Farm duties as required.

Education and experience requirements:

• All education and experience requirements to be superseded by common sense.

Skills:

• Advanced culinary skills a must.
• Time management.
• Animal husbandry.
• Red Seal mechanical certification.
• Horticultural degree.
• Money management.
• Guidance counselor.
• PhD in medicine.

Hours of work:

• 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Salary Range:

• To be determined on an annual basis.

Many of today’s younger generation speak of how busy they are and how stressed out they are. They should have a conversation with a Domestic Agricultural Engineer. There is much for them to learn.

One of Verna’s favourite activities was curling. Whether it was the Afternoon Ladies League or the Mixed Curling League, she enjoyed the game and all it had to offer. There are a few curling trophies up on the shelf, trophies that she won with teammates Bernie, Lorne and Florence. Knee issues prematurely ended Verna’s curling career. Unfortunately for her, stick curling came along too late to extend her time on the ice.

Verna welcomed many family members and friends to the dinner table. Some that come to mind are Uncle Jack and Aunt Gladys for fried chicken, Mr. Titanich for roast beef and gravy, Alex Mills for rhubarb pie and fresh cream, John O’Connell for whatever was on the table, Mr. Bakken for Sunday dinner and holiday meals and of course Uncle Alfred.

Verna is survived by Linda Ballard, Darrell, Kyla, Ty and Ella; Donald Ballard, Amanda, Jeremy, Liberty, Mason, Ethan, Kamdyn, Scott, Ashton and Sean; Arron Ballard; Rochelle Clements; Lloyd Ballard, Wendy, Robin, Justin, Cruze, Bay and Joel.

Verna was predeceased by her parents William and Maude, son James, husband David, sister-in-law Ellen, and son Leslie. Verna was also predeceased by sisters Ida, Ursula, Gladys, Edith, Helen and by brothers Fred, Frank, Donald, Alfred and Clarence.

What the mighty Cooper clan lacked in vertical stature they made up for it in ample doses of inner strength, pride, stubbornness, courage and a willingness to help others.

The family would like to thank the staff of Crocus Court Personal Care Home for all of their care and compassion for our mother. It is greatly appreciated.

As per Verna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Verna’s final resting place will be the Roblin District Cemetery.

Mother, grandmother and great grandmother, we will miss you.

Love always.

Rest in peace.

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