Connie May Ballard

Connie May Ballard was born on February 17, 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Max Ballard and Ruie Lee Kelly Ballard. She is survived by her sisters, Ruie Dale Lambert and Kelly Ballard Barrow (David), and by her nieces and nephews: Tracy Lambert Jack, John Darrell Lambert, Sara Caitlin Barrow, Emily Grace Deal, Jacob Ethan Barrow, and Faith Elizabeth Barrow.

Because her father served in the Air Force, Connie spent her childhood in a variety of places, including Indiana, England, Japan, and McAllen in the Rio Grande Valley. She later attended Southwest Texas State University, where she briefly studied art.

After moving to Austin, Connie met Rose McGarrigle and began working with her, providing respite care for children with profound disabilities — a mission that would eventually become Hope House. This work became her life’s calling, and she retired as assistant director, devoted to both Rose and Hope House.

Connie found joy in quilting and in traveling — whether it was to Guadalajara, New Orleans, Fredericksburg, or, of course, her favorite H-E-B. She cherished the companionship of her cat, Cat, and held a special fondness for her beloved flock of chickens, geese, ducks, guinea fowl, and turkeys. Above all, Connie will be remembered for her generosity and loving heart — always willing to help, whether by offering financial support or simply the shirt off her back to someone in need.

If you would like to make a donation in her name to Hope House, it would be a meaningful way to honor and continue Connie’s legacy of compassion and care. www.hopehousekids.org