Joyce Ann (Leigh) Ballard

Joyce Ann Leigh Ballard, 77, of Rigby, passed away October 19, 2023, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home. She was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice.

Joyce was born June 20, 1946, in Flagstaff, Arizona, to Byron Jones Leigh and Ardeth Imogene Crawford Leigh. She grew up and attended schools in Roberts and attended Rigby High School.

On October 3, 1964, she married Robert Allen Ballard in Dubois, Idaho. Joyce and Robert made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Joyce worked in various capacities.

She was a believer in God, said her prayers every night and always said “He is always with you as long as you believe.” She enjoyed sewing, puzzles, camping, jeeping, crafts, crossword puzzles, music, dancing, collecting Indian stuff, Elvis, and watching her Hallmark movies, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, RaeAnn (Kevin) Golder of Rigby, ID; son, Robert "Bob" (Annette) Ballard of Victor, ID; sister, Patricia Moore of Idaho Falls, ID; three grandchildren, David Nelson, Amanda Smith, and Adrian Ballard; two step-grandchildren, Tony Golder and Samantha Golder; five great-grandchildren, Dalton, Kaclyn, Lillian, Raeleigh, and Zerek; and three step-great-grandchildren, Charly, Salem, and Amina.

She was preceded in death by her father, Byron Leigh; mother, Ardeth Harlan; husband, Robert Allen Ballard; sisters, Arlene Winslow-Scott, Roberta Franck, June Carpenter, and Susan Lamb; brothers, Robert Williams, Verle Duane "Buck" Williams, Loren Williams, Eugene "Gene" Leigh, and William "Bill" Leigh; and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior. Inurnment will be in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to an account under RaeAnn Golder's name at the Bank of Commerce, for college funds for Joyce's great-grandchildren.