Obituary of Leila Ballard

As the lilacs bloomed, this world suffered the loss of the blossom of our life. With the tune of "Today" lilting in the room and the 23rd Psalm echoing off the walls, Leila Rae Schenck Ballard of Hawley, PA passed from this life Thursday, May 14, 2015 in the company of her daughters, Sue Ballard Foster and Janet Ballard Eisele and her youngest grandchildren, Nicole Eisele Duda and Lauren Foster Green at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore. Leila, "Mom," "Aunt Lea," or "Nanny" has struggled since the loss last August of Joseph Arthur Ballard, her husband of 63 years, and her most recent ailments forced her to retreat from this life and insert herself into the next. Her strong will and wishes carried her through the last week of her life, one which brought fulfillment to all with whom she came in contact, which was the way she conducted herself throughout her almost 85 years on this earth. Born on July 10, 1930 in a Victorian house on Church Street, Hawley, PA, Leila was not expected to survive her two pound, one ounce birth weight, but her namesake, Leila Atkinson Goodman, RN, nursed her to health. Born to Raymond Judson Schenck and Emma Marjorie Caruth, who died when she was six, Leila was preceded in death by her eldest daughter Marjorie, her brother Charles Raymond Schenck, and her sister Ruth Schenck McCabe. Leila graduated from Hawley High School and lived the majority of her life in Hawley in the company of some delightful relatives, her Aunts Leila and Gussie. They all contributed to her vast skills in sewing, knitting, crocheting, braiding, singing, cooking, housekeeping, and most importantly – caring for others. She completed two courses in children's writing, earning these certificates at the age of 70 years old. Her home was always filled with warmth where all were welcome. No one remained a stranger in her presence. Leila retired from the Wallenpaupack area school district after working 37 years as a teacher's aide in the Lutheran Church, the Greeley School, and then the elementary school. She founded the summer Arts and Crafts program at Wallenpaupack, which hundreds of children enjoyed throughout the many years. Leila was a faith filled woman and one who survived many obstacles; not just survived, but thrived at the lessons learned by each challenge she faced. When Joe was first admitted to the Wayne Woodlands Manor, 80-year old mom learned how to coordinate rides during the day from the Wayne County Transportation System so she could spend her day with him. When she also became a resident, she was an active greeter of new residents and sang in the choir. She participated in and lead several arts and crafts sessions while at the Manor. While she is already missed in this life, it is our great belief she is thriving in the next and looking for the next person who needs care. In addition to her daughters and granddaughters previously mentioned, she is survived by sons-in-law: Richard Foster and Kurt Eisele, PhD; grandchildren: Jason Eisele, Jaime Foster Rechtorovic, Matthew Eisele, Gretchen Foster Fish, and their families which comprise 21 great grandchildren. In honor of her request, Leila was cremated and has joined her loving husband. Their inurnment and graveside service is planned to be held at 1PM on July 11, 2015, the day after what would have been her 85th birthday in Indian Orchard Cemetery. A private celebration of life is planned at that time. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Resident Memorial Fund at Wayne Woodland's Manor in Leila and Joe's memory to benefit their fellow community members at Wayne Woodlands. Donations may be made out to: Wayne Woodlands Manor, attn: Marcie Podunajec, 37 Woodlands Dr., Waymart, PA 18472. Please note "Resident Memorial Fund" in the memo line.