Bertha Riffel Ballard, 1880 - 1970

BALLARD, RIFFLE, EWING, JOHNSTON

Posted By: Dave Jackson (email)
Date: 7/3/2005 at 11:30:25

Born in 1880, Bertha Ballard lived much of her life in Hinkletown, east of North English, and was one of the more colorful personalities of Iowa County. “With her strong pioneer spirit she met the challenge of raising a large family, and yet took the time to help others who called upon her in time of need.” - North English Record.

Bertha Stella Riffel was born on October 5, 1880, the oldest daughter of Thomas Joseph and Melvina Good Riffel. She was united in marriage to John Newton Ballard, March 18, 1903 in Iowa County, Iowa. They traveled to New Mexico and back in a covered wagon, during which she also gave birth to one of her eleven children. She lived on an Indian reservation in Oklahoma, and learned many of their remedies. After they returned to Iowa County, John Ballard died in an unfortunate accident on their farm in Hinkletown on February 13, 1924 and she was left with 11 children to raise at age 43: Eunice, Ina, Ralph, Floyd, Iva, Mae, Ruth and Rena (twins), Elsie, Opal and Dorothy.

She became quite creative in her methods of living frugally. She raised much of her own food, and bartered for much of the rest. She fished, hunted and trapped. She lived to age 90, passing away in 1970, having been a widow for 46 years. Bertha Ballard's daughter is quoted as saying, "Mother could do anything and there will never be another like her. She could build a barn, husk corn, shoot a fox, catch fish.” In later years, she invested a lot of time in her quilt making activities.

From the obituary of daughter Ida Ewing, who died at age 23, "Ida was the fifth child of a family of 11 children. When she was a small child, the family moved to the community known as Hinkletown. It was at this place where she lost her father Feb 13, 1924. Thus the hardships of life fell heavy on her young and always frail body. She together with the other children of the family, showed a fine spirit of cooperation at the death of their father. There was much to do and each did his or her part in turn as the mother and family endeavored to face adjustments when such an emergency occurs.” Eight months later, her 17-year-old sister Elsie Elizabeth Ballard, became ill and passed away in 1937. Dorothy, the youngest child in the family, died in 1940, at age almost 17."

Obituary excerpts of Bertha Stella Riffel Ballard:

Bertha Ballard passed away at the Keokuk County Hospital in Sigourney, Iowa, after a short illness, on February 19, 1970. With her strong pioneer spirit she met the challenge of raising a large family, and yet took the time to help others who called upon her in time of need.

She was preceded in death by her husband; four children, Mrs. Ina Johnston, Mrs. Iva Ewing, Elsie Ballard, and Dorothy Ballard; one brother; two sisters; one grandchild; and two great-grandchildren. She leaves to remember her, the seven children; six sisters; one brother; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; other relatives and a host of friends.

Services were held at the Best Funeral Chapel on Sunday, February 22, 1970, in North English, Iowa, conducted by the Rev. Raymond W. Pacholke of the United Methodist Church. Music was provided by the organist Mrs. Edna Gilmore. Casket bearers were: George Moger, Robert Christianson, Jerry Foubert, Bill Grove, Randy Foubert and Mike Mason. Interment was in the North English Cemetery.

As of 2005, there are still many residents of Iowa County who were acquainted with Bertha Ballard. The fond memories are many that are shared about her life of giving, caring, and her colorful pioneer ways.

Photographs and additional information at:
http://www.hinkletown.com/bertha.html