Carole Ann Ballard

Carole Ann Ballard (Stuchlik), age 78, of Ashville, N.C., passed on to paradise on Friday, June 19, 2020, at her home with husband Robert at her side.

Carole was born May 10, l 942 to John and Frances Stuchlik in Wahoo, the first of four children. She spent part of her childhood in York and attended St. Joseph’s Academy. When Carole was 10, the family moved to Aurora where she graduated from Aurora High School in 1960.

At age 15 she met the love of her life, Robert Ballard, age 17. Bob and Carole were married Aug. 7, 1961 in Aurora, while attending UNL where she was studying interior design and Bob engineering.

Ḃob and Carole were parents to a beloved son, Robert Troy Ballard. In time, they moved to Omaha, where Bob worked for OPPD as an engineer. Carole became quite accomplished in her interior design career. She worked several years as an interior design consultant at Nebraska Furniture Mart. After that, she owned and operated La Petite Health Spa for many years. From Omaha the family moved to Allentown, Penn.

Carole lived her life to the fullest and with an unmeasurable amount of zeal. She was an avid lover of horses, and began her passion at age 10, and continued her hobby throughout her life. She and her son excelled in halter showing, attending many horse shows in her younger years.

Carole loved a good party, hosting and entertaining many gourmet dinner parties throughout the years. Carole was truly a “Martha Stewart” in her home and her gardens, and with her many gifts and talents. Carole loved horticulture and had quite a talent for beautiful landscapes and gardens. She loved devouring good books and her book club friends. Remodeling houses and redecorating were also a life-long hobby.

After retirement, Bob and Carole shared time with winters in Naples, Fla., and Ashville in the summer. They shared a host of great friends and family with many fun times throughout her life.

Left to cherish her memory are her spouse, Robert, of Ashville, N.C.; son Robert Troy of Durango, Colo.; and grandson Troy Wallace and special friend Emily of Honolulu, Hawaii; Sisters, Cathi (Mike) Murphy of York; Jackie (Mike) McMullen of Omaha; brother, John (Sherrie) Stuchlik of Kearney; along with eight nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Frances Stuchlik; father-in-law, Howard Ballard; parents-in-law, Adnelle and George Zember; and brother-in-law, Bill Ballard.

Due to COVID-19 Carole was cremated and a memorial service will be held in Ashville at a later date.