Rick was born on September 1, 1959, in Sterling, the son of Dean and Audrey (Woods) Ballard. He owned and operated Ballards Tree Service for several years, as well as working at Northwestern Steel & Wire in Sterling. Rick was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rock Falls as well as the Rock Falls Eagles Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and motorcycles.
Survivors include four daughters, Jenny Zigler of Deer Grove, Jessy Henson of Sterling, Sadie Ballard of Rock Falls, and Jaimmy (John) Pasalich of Chesapeake, VA; one son, James Ballard of Sterling; one sister, Terry (Richard) Purvis of Rock Falls; one brother, Mark Ballard of Sterling; thirteen grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Julie Ballard, two sisters, Lori & Tracy, and one brother, Dave Ballard.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM with Pastor John Sharp officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Rock Falls, IL.
