Sadly, we said goodbye to our Dad Vernon L. Ballard on Sunday April 25, 2021 at the age of 95. We were fortunate to be able to spend his final 7 days with him in the nursing home. Vernon was born on January 13, 1926. to the late Earle and Lillian (Horton) Ballard in Danbury, CT. He moved to Pawling, NY in 1932 and graduated from Pawling High School in 1943. On June 8, 1947 he married the former Betty Jane Riley in Pawling, NY They were married for 52 years before Betty’s passing in 1999.
Vernon was employed first by AJ Hettinger on Chapel Farm which then became Akindale Farm on Quaker Hill in Pawling for 65 years starting in 1950 and finally fully retiring in 2015. He was the caretaker and groundskeeper. He took great pride in the gardens, lawns and buildings and caring for John Hettinger’s hunting dogs.
Vernon loved music, especially anything with the pedal steel guitar in it. He learned to play the pedal steel guitar by ear and eventually he made his own guitars. He played with various country-western bands starting in 1946 through 1974. Vernon loved to tinker with doodlebugs and Model A cars and trucks. He enjoyed going to car meets collecting parts. Vernon enjoyed doing woodworking making many items for family and friends. His grandchildren enjoyed spending time with him, learning about the simple pleasures in life. They have many memories.
Vernon is survived by his twin daughters: Deborah (Richard) Smith of Howes Cave, NY, and Denese (David) Price of Walworth, NY, and Suellen (Chris) Pentz of Keysville, VA. Also by 7 grandchildren: Steven Smith, Benjamin Smith, Rebecca (Smith) Maroney, Jeanna (Price) Woods, Jason Price, Stephanie (McConnell) Kehoe and Jenna (McConnell) McGarry and 13 great-grandchildren. Vernon is also survived by his sister, Myrna Kunic and sister-in-law, Cathy Riley, both of Pawling, along with several nieces and nephews.
Vernon was also predeceased by his sister, Elinor Slocum, son-in-law David McConnell and great-grandson Ethan Price.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the Maple Unit at Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and the Community Hospice staff caring for our dad for over 2 years, Albany NY
Burial will be private for the family at the Quaker Hill Cemetery, Pawling, NY. A gathering for family and friends will be determined at a later date in Pawling.
Memorial donations in Vernon’s memory can be made to the Pawling Resource Center, PO BOX 311 Pawling, NY 12564 and to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd Albany, NY 12205.
