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A consummate example of a funeral director; a leader with a servant’s heart and pure compassion, truly defines Marty Ballard.

George (Marty) Myron Ballard Jr., 65, of Middletown and Daleville passed away Monday February 6th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Marty is a 1975 graduate of Shenandoah High School. He received his B.A. in Business in 1979 from Hanover College, and his Associate Degree of Applied Science in Mortuary Science from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1981. He attended Christian Theological Seminary and received his Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Olivet Nazarene University in 1998. He is an ordained elder and retired as the lead pastor at the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene in Yorktown, IN after 12 years.

He is Past Master and Secretary of the Middletown Masonic Lodge, Past President, Secretary, and Former Fair Board Co-Chairman of the Middletown Lions Club, an eleven-year member of the Middletown E.M.S. where he served as Training officer and had formally been on staff with the Middletown Church of the Nazarene. He has been co-chairman with his wife Gina of the Middletown Fall Funfest and was part of the Wall That Heals committee.

Marty has been awarded EMT of the year, Lion of the Year, the first Business Associate of the Year by the ABWA and was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Otis Bowen, M.D. in 1979.

Marty enjoyed spending time with his family and lake family at Lake Pleasant in Orland, IN. Dad loved his pontoon and lounged around the lake for hours. He would park the boat on the sandbar and fall asleep to the Beatles and Brad Paisley. He spent much time with his grandkids. He very much enjoyed taking all his grandkids to swim lessons and swim practice. Dad loved all his animals dearly including Kayla’s golden retriever. Marty took his prized Miller Meteor Cadillac Ambulance everywhere; he was a trophy winner at many car shows. He was always good for a smile and a chuckle on an overcast day. He loved his community and put much effort into making other people’s lives better.

Marty is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gina Ballard; son, Ryan Ballard (Tracy); daughter, Kayla Hall (Tim); grandchildren, Kennedy Ballard, Madison Ballard, Thomas Hall, Monroe Ballard, and Roselynn Hall; brother, Jon Ballard (Brenda); brother-in-law, Stephen Smith. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothea Ballard.

Gina is a 1977 graduate of Shenandoah High School and a 1981 graduate of Indiana Business College. She had worked for over ten years in the clerical departments of the Center for Mental Health in Anderson and was Operations Manager for Emergency Medical Transport Ambulance in Muncie for two years.

She has been active in school functions including the Shenandoah Elementary Mothers Club and assisted in its creation in the Middle School. She and her husband Marty have worked together in ministry at the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene in Yorktown, IN . She was also the adult coordinator for three teen Work and Witness trips for the TeeNaz youth group in Middletown, IN. She is co-director of the Middletown Fall Fun Fest.

Gina and Marty were married 43 years and have two children and four wonderful grandchildren.

Ryan is the older child of Marty and Gina Ballard. He is a graduate of Shenandoah High School and attended Ball State University and Ivy Tech Community College.

He has been a member of the Middletown Fire Department and worked throughout high school at Howell Farms near Middletown. He is formerly a nationally certified paramedic and has worked for Methodist Hospital and Wishard (Indianapolis EMS) and Wayne Township Fire Department in Indianapolis. He also has served as a paramedic for Henry County EMS.

Ryan served his internship under the direction of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Services in New Castle and is now a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer.


He is married to his wife, Tracy who has served as a Registered Nurse with IU Health/Ball Memorial Hospital and is a former Lifeline Flight Nurse. She travels with the medical crew with the Holmatro Safety Team providing medical care for all IndyCar events. She currently is the Clinical Manager at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway working out of their infield care center. Ryan and Tracy are the proud parents of Kennedy Madeline, Madyson Lynn and Monroe Ann.


They are residents of the Yorktown/Daleville area and active in the YMCA of Yorktown, the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce and the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene. Ryan served as a Delaware County Councilman for one term, founder of a nationally recognized podcast on funeral directing, and an advocate for emergency services in the state of Indiana. Ryan currently serves on the Delaware County 911 board. He testified before the state house committees on EMS and assisted with Shane Hardwick, EMT-P and Representative Karlee Macer on new legislation for EMTS' s and Paramedics concerning compensation for families who lost their loved ones due to injury on the job.

Jon is a 1970 graduate of Shenandoah High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Anderson University in 1974, an associates degree in Mortuary Science from Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1979, and a Masters of Business Administration from Anderson University in 1999.

He is a member of the Daleville Lions Club, the Daleville Masonic Lodge, and was very active in Youth Volleyball both at Daleville High School and in Delaware County.

He had served the Salem Township E.M.S. as an E.M.T. for several years, and was a District Director for the Indiana Funeral Directors Association.

Jon is married to Brenda, who is a registered nurse at St. John's Hospital. They have two children. Their daughter, Katie Leas, is also a registered nurse at St. Johns working in the cardiac rehabilitation department. Katie is married to an amazing and hardworking man, Mick Leas, who works for Hagerman Construction Company. They have five children, Peyton, Maycee, Aubrey, Ellie, and Cambrie. Jon's son Kyle is a cook at Anderson University. He is married to Leanne and they have one adorable son: Samuel.

Chrissy was born and raised in Greenwood, Indiana. She graduated from Center Grove High School in 1992. She now resides in New Castle with her husband, John. They have two children, Jacob and Ellie, both of whom she loves dearly. Chrissy joined the staff in September of 2021. She has an unexplainable passion for helping others in their times of need. She is a faithful member of First Apostolic Church in New Castle. In her spare time, Chrissy enjoys playing tennis, vacationing in Florida, and spending time with her family and dogs.

Shane joined the staff in 2015. He graduated from Pendleton Heights High School in 1997. He graduated from Vincennes University with an associate degree in Ag Business. After working in agriculture for many years, Shane had a desire to go into Funeral Service. In 2016 Shane started in Mortuary School at Ivy Tech and became a Funeral Director in 2018. Shane is a Member of Markleville Masonic Lodge #629 where he has served as Secretary and Assistant Secretary for several years. He attends Sulphur Springs Christian Church. He has a daughter Isabelle that attends Daleville High School and is a Varsity Basketball Player. Shane has a passion for serving and helping others. Shane was the Employee of the Year in 2022.

Kevin and his wife, Cindy, have two children, Evan, and his wife, Zoe , who live in New Castle, and Olivia Fritz, and her husband, Everett, who live in Port Orchard, WA. A 1986 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School, Kevin attended Ball State University and graduated in 1991 from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He and Cindy have four beautiful grandchildren, Ethan, Hadley, Scarlett, and Sophia.

A lifetime member of the First Apostolic Church in New Castle, Kevin serves as organist/pianist at the church as well as on the board of directors. Kevin released his first recording, "By Request" in 2010, on which he sings and plays the trumpet.

Kevin is a board member of the New Castle/Henry County Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on other boards such as Henry County Community Foundation, Eastern Indiana Federal Credit Union, and Selected Independent Funeral Homes Trust.
He enjoys camping with his family, collecting antiques, and is a Mopar enthusiast.

John joined the funeral home staff in February of 2006. He resides in New Castle with his wife, Chrissy. They have two children, Ellie and Jacob. John graduated from Vincennes University with a degree in Mortuary Science. He is a member of First Apostolic Church in New Castle. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. John is a Funeral Director and General Manager at all locations and in 2012, he became a co-owner. John was named Employee of the Year in 2008.

Jon was born and raised in New Castle. He is a 2006 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School and started working for the funeral homes in November of 2006. Jon married Jesse Brammer of Rushville on December 8, 2019 and has four children Carson Grant, Adalyn Grace, Jackson Clark and Ruby Susanne. Jon is a 2011 graduate of the Mortuary Science program at Ivy Tech Community College. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, aviation and snow skiing. He is a member of the New Castle-Henry County Kiwanis Club, a member of Elks #484 and he currently serves on the Glen Oaks Advisory Board. Jon was named the 2010 Employee of the Year.

Phil and his wife, Sandra, have two children, Keith (wife, Halie), and Karis (husband, Jayson) McGee. They have four grandchildren, Makenna Sue Hinsey, Kamden Robert Hinsey, Kenlie Paige Hinsey, and Adeline Grace McGee. Phil is the co-founder of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. He is a 1979 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School, a 1982 graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and is a member of the New Castle First Church of the Nazarene.

Phil serves on the boards for First Church of the Nazarene in New Castle, Foster Grandparents, the Christian Love and Help Center, and is a member of Noon Optimist. He enjoys playing racquetball, performing in plays at civic theaters, and mostly spending time with his grandchildren.

Cindy attended Greenwood High School and Solano Community College in Fairfield, CA. She assists in special projects and events at Hinsey-Brown and also assists with keeping the facilities in tip-top shape with her decorating skills. She is a member of the First Apostolic Church in New Castle where she serves as Assistant Treasurer. She and her husband, Kevin, have two children, Evan, and his wife Zoe, of New Castle, and Olivia Fritz, and her husband, Everett of Port Orchard, WA. Cindy enjoys interior decorating, exercising, and traveling/camping with her family. Cindy and Kevin adore their grandchildren, Ethan, Hadley, Scarlett, and Sophia.

Wanda joined the staff in March of 2010 and serves as the Preneed Advisor and Aftercare. A lifelong resident of New Castle, she and her husband, Glen, together have six children, 15 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Wanda graduated from American School in Chicago, Illinois in 1980. She has participated in Bereavement Skills Training with Dr. Alan Wolfelt from the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Ft. Collins, Colorado and received her certification as an Aftercare provider from the American Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. In 2016 she received her insurance license to help our families with Advance Planning.

She attends Sovereign Grace Church in New Castle. Wanda enjoys gardening, camping, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. In 2012, Wanda was named Employee of the Year.

Lenville is a 1970 graduate of Knightstown High School and a lifelong resident of the Knightstown area. He is a Commissioned Special Worker in the Wesleyan Church, where he served in music ministry for many years, was assistant pastor, and currently attends Memorial Wesleyan Church.

He has traveled extensively taking mission teams on short term mission trips to many countries through out the world. He served as president of a mission organization for five years and is currently leading Unitas International, facilitating ministry in Mozambique and South Africa. He and his wife, Leanna, have one daughter, Rachel (Israel) Helm-Jovo and four grandchildren who serve as missionaries in Mozambique and South Africa.

He joined the funeral home staff in July of 2007. Lenville was named Employee of the Year in 2023.

Jen joined Ballard and Sons in 2022 as our Aftercare Coordinator. She is a 1988 graduate of Union High School in Modoc. Jen and her Husband, Shanon, reside in New Castle and attend Sovereign Grace Church. Together, they have four children and three grandchildren.

Jen enjoys cooking, taking trips to Florida and West Virginia and spending time with her family.

Ellie has been raised in New Castle. She attended New Castle Middle School and went on to graduate from an online school in 2020. Ellie attends Ivy Tech Community College and is going to pursue a nursing degree. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her two goldendoodles, Winston and Millie. She also enjoys playing tennis and hunting with her dad. Ellie attends First Apostolic Church in New Castle where she participates in the adult choir.

Ethan is a 2016 graduate of New Castle High School and is currently enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College. Ethan is a member of Turning Point Life Center in New Castle. He currently serves as the Indiana Children’s Ministries Director for the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is also an evangelist, focusing on children’s ministry.
Ethan enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends. He finds great pleasure in decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas! For the last ten years, Ethan has put up a large Christmas display in New Castle, which has since moved to Mooreland.

Ethan feels it is an honor to work with the families and is always happy to help in any capacity he can.

Gary was born in Anderson, Indiana. He was part of the class of 1961 of Middletown High School. He retired from Avestsa Polarit in New Castle in 1998 after 32 years as a pipefitter. He and his wife Nancy (Hines) have been married for 52 years and are the parents of 1 son: Michael High and grandparents of 2 children: Kelsey and Jacob as well as one great granddaughter. He is a member of the Middletown Church of the Nazarene where he serves both on the Board of Trustees and the Building Committee. Gary has been involved with the ministry at the funeral home for many years. "I believe it's a calling. I love to help people and this situation puts me in a position to reach out to families at a time when they need care the most. I look at it as an honor to have been placed where God can use me."

Tyler joined the staff as a full-time employee in 2021 and is currently enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College, studying Mortuary Science. He operates the Raintree County Crematory along with many other duties. He is a 2013 graduate of New Castle High School. Tyler and his wife Hannah reside in Middletown and have three children, Lucas, Hadley, and Lauryn Brown. He is a member of First Apostolic Church in New Castle. Tyler is a musician and enjoys bowhunting and all things outdoors.

Brian was born and raised in New Castle and is a 1984 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School. Brian served in the United States Army for 4 years, spent 4 years in the National Guard, worked as a correctional officer in Pendleton for 12 years, and worked in facility maintenance at Miller's Health Systems for 21 years. He has 4 children and 9 grandchildren. In his free time, Brian loves to travel, spend time with family and friends, and spend time with the Lord. Brian joined the funeral home staff in August of 2023.

David was born and raised in Greenfield and is a 1973 graduate of Greenfield Central High School. He married his wife Marlene in 1974 and together they have four children; David, Scott, Amanda, and Amber. David and his wife reside in Anderson. He ran his own construction company for 25 years in the New Castle area and then worked for the State of Indiana as an electrician for 15 years. David is a member of the First Pentecostal Church of Anderson. He joined the funeral home staff in 2022.

Jacob is a 2018 graduate of New Castle High School and has lived in New Castle since he was around 7 years old. He is currently attending Ivy Tech Community College and is entering the Mortuary Science program. He joined the staff in 2021, but he worked part time while in high school as well. He resides with his lifelong love, Emily.

Brad is a native of New Castle. He serves as a licensed minister in the Indianapolis District Church of the Nazarene. He studied at Olivet Nazarene University, Nazarene Bible College, and Harvard University. He is currently serving in eastern Hancock County as a licensed minister at both Shirley and Warrington Nazarene Churches. Brad has filled pulpits as needed, not only in the Nazarene Church, but wherever he could across Indiana. He has served several terms on the church board at the New Castle First Church of the Nazarene. He and his wife Ramona, sing together and have held numerous concerts and revivals, singing and preaching the Gospel. In his spare time, Brad loves spending time with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and friends. He keeps active, enjoying his role as a licensed IHSAA official in multiple sports.

George M. Ballard had worked for many years in the New Castle area. He was a graduate of New Castle High School and the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis.

He was a member of the Middletown Fire Department, the Middletown Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, and had worked for over 40 years as a funeral director.

He fought a long battle with cancer, passing away in 1988. He cared for people and loved his family. He taught us how to care for people and we are grateful.

Dorothea Ballard was a native of Merrill, Wisconsin. She graduated from Franklin Blvd. School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois and worked for many years as a Registered Nurse.

She was a member of the Women's Club of Middletown, the Psi Iota Xi Sorority, the Middletown United Methodist Church, and President of the Women's Circle of the church. She was a member of the Middletown Order of the Eastern Star and Middletown Fall Creek Historical Association.

She served on the Henry County Mental Health Board, the Dietrich Memorial Park Board of Directors, the Henry County Health Board and many other organizations.

She liked to stay active in the community and would swim three times a week at Live-rite Health Club in Anderson.

Bobby Daniel Watters, 70, resident of Daleville went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday evening at Community Hospital in Anderson. He was born in Barthell, Kentucky, November 9, 1944, the son of Henley and Lillie Ledbetter Waters. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son: Stephen Watters in 1966, brothers: Simon, Goldman, Phillip, Dakota, Ronald and Fleanor Waters as well as a sister: Laura Mullin. He retired from General Motors in 1995 after 31 years of service. He worked as a licensed real estate agent for Huffman Realty in Daleville before moving to Coldwell Banker Lunsford Realty for many years. He worked as a greeter with the Ballard family at Ballard & Sons Funeral Homes for several years and was Past Master of the Daleville Masonic Lodge where he had also served as Secretary for many years. He was named a Kentucky Colonel by the Kentucky governor. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis and the York Rite of Middletown.He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Daleville Schools and served on the Delaware County Counsel. He drove for Econoway/Overland Tour Motorcoach Company for many years and had driven for Star of America Lines. He was a founding member of the ""Shoemaker and McDonald's"" Coffee Clubs of Daleville. He was a member of the Ross Grove Baptist Church in Revelo, KY. He enjoyed attending Daleville Schools sporting events, talking and meeting with people. He loved to travel and he was always known for his smile. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years: Anna (Coffey) of Daleville, daughters: Carol Harris (Jeff) of Daleville and Teresa Riddle (Scott) of Daleville, grandchildren: Tyler Harris and Allison Harris, Mackenzie and Morgan Riddle, brothers: Brent Arnold Waters of Muncie, John Watters (Rachel) of Kentucky, Dallas Watters of Tennessee, Don Watters (Charlotte) of Daleville, David Watters (Wilma) of Daleville, Jimmy Waters of Kentucky, sisters: Corina Levell and Louise Spradlin of Daleville.