Shirley Ann Ballard, 80, of Grand Rapids, went to be with the lord on Thursday,Oct.23,2014 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI on the same day of her birth, 80 years to the day, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born in Minneapolis Oct.23, 1934. In the summer of 1952, Shirley made a visit to the Grand Rapids Area while on vacation. Shirley and a friend stopped at a gas station in Warba, MN where serendipitously she met the man of her dreams, a wedding was soon to be, Shirley married Mensel (Mike) Ballard on November 8, 1952. The young couple moved into their new lake home on shallow lake, in Warba. Shirley loved the beauty and serenity of the lake which would never leave her spirit, with the memories of starting to raise a family in such a peaceful place. On December 10, 1966 Shirley and her loving family moved into the city of Grand Rapids where she has resided for the past 48 years. Shirley loved music of all types, but favored the classics and country. She enjoyed the old classic movies and a nice mystery read. She also enjoyed having her blend of coffee on her sundeck while waving and greeting people passing by. Shirley was a very loving and energetic person with a great and unique sense of humor. She was an inspiration. She lived and maintained her own home, drove her own suv and did all things necessary to compliment her active life style. She also had a real gift for cooking and interior design. With those gifts, she created a warm and charming household that she shared so graciously with family and friends. Shirley loved spending time with her children, family and friends every chance she had to make special memories of laughter. Shirley was one of 5 children and went on to raise 5 children of her own. Shirley had a strong faith in God. God and her family were the center of her life. Shirley was preceded in passing by her parents, Elmond and Helen Davis; Sister, Joyce Davis; Brother, Royce Davis; husband, Mensel (Mike) Ballard. Shirley was so loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by two brothers; Donald, and Gary Davis, five children, Sandie (Ron) Berg of Eau Claire, WI, Marvin (Bonnie) Ballard of Toluca Lake, CA, Cheryl (Larry) Hansen of Rock Creek, MN, Alice (Doug) Olson of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Calvin (Lynn) Ballard of Richfield, MN; Nine Grandchildren, Brandon, Adrienne, Eric, Robby, Beau, Nicole, Jacquelyn, Chad, and Hollie, and thirteen great-grandchildren. The family would like to express a sincere heartfelt thank you for all the prayers made for our mother. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love and compassion shown to our mother Shirley Ann Ballard by the entire medical staff at Sacred Heart Hospital. Visitation will be 5 to 7 PM Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 and continuing 10 AM until the 11 AM Funeral Service Thursday, October 30th, 2014 all at Andrews-Libbey Funeral Home. Interment in Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine, MN. See online family guestbook at www.andrews-libbeyfh.com. Arrangements by Andrews-Libbey Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 520 NE 2nd Ave. Grand Rapids, MN. 218-326-4000.