Ruth C. Ballard

Ruth Carol Ballard (Ramaska), 85, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family in her final hours. She was a beautiful person who lived a beautiful, full life.

Born on April 16, 1940, in Windsor, Vermont, to Mary (Mocek) Ramaska and Peter J. Ramaska. She was the eldest daughter and often spoke fondly of her parents and her brothers. In her early years, her family lived in Hartland, Vermont, before settling back in Manchester, NH, where she has been a lifelong resident.

A graduate of St. Joseph's Junior-Senior High School for Girls, class of 1959, she proudly held the office of Senior Class Vice President. Here, Ruth made many lifelong friendships that continued throughout her career as a switchboard operator for New England Telephone Company alongside many of her school friends, cherishing her time there until her retirement after 36 years. She loved being part of the “Sunshine Committee,” helping to plan retirement parties and Polish food fundraisers.

Ruth married her husband, Paul Ballard, on June 16, 1962. They welcomed three beautiful children, Melissa, Michael, and Stephen, and raised them in the Catholic faith. Ruth loved her children and was a strong, hard-working mother who never missed a hockey game or ballet recital. She was a practicing Catholic who attended daily Mass at St. Anthony’s and was a lifelong parishioner at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

She will be remembered for her sweetness, generosity, strength, and infinite love for her family. Ruth led with kindness and always had a smile or uplifting words for everyone she met. She welcomed friends, neighbors, and her children’s and grandchildren’s friends into her home. Ruth was beautiful both inside and out. She was stylish and believed in dressing her best at all times—she especially loved black, white, and animal print, always paired with bright red lipstick and marvelous updos. Her smile lit up a room, and she often had a twinkle in her eyes. Ruth loved music, from polkas to the Mamma Mia! soundtrack. Her grandchildren will always cherish the memory of taking a limo with her to the Cheetah Girls concert.

Ruth loved to cook for her family and friends, and made the best chocolate chip cookies and Polish pierogi. She loved to care for people and always made sure no one left her home hungry. Ruth had an innate knack for making everyone in her life feel so loved and special. Her family will forever cherish the memories of her warmth, humor, and unconditional love.

She held many titles in her life: mother, sister, friend, neighbor, “Choo-Choo,” “Auntie Choo Choo,” Mrs. Ballard, Ruthie, and “Ma,” but her favorite title of all was “Babchi.” She was the most present and involved grandmother to her beloved grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Paul Francios Ballard (1939-1998), and her brother, Peter Ramaska, Jr. (2001) Ruth's legacy lives on through her loving family: her youngest brother, John Ramaska and his wife Linda; her children—Melissa Ballard Sullivan (David Lawrence Sullivan); Michael Paul Ballard (Kristen Lawrence Ballard); Stephen John Ballard (Jamie Schrader Ballard); her grandchildren—Mary Margaret Horan (Sullivan) and her husband, Kerry Joseph Horan; John Patrick Sullivan and his wife, Emma Ruegsegger Sullivan; Lily Michaela Sullivan and Emma Faustina Sullivan; Claire Elizabeth Ballard, Kathryn Grace Ballard, Addison Jayne Ballard, and Adam Paul Ballard; and her great-grandchildren, William Henry Horan and Charlotte Ruth Horan. She is also survived by many cherished in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.

In the spirit of Ruth's loving and generous nature, donations to the NH Food Bank in her honor are most welcome. (NH Food Bank, https://www.nhfoodbank.org, or mail to New Hampshire Food Bank, 700 East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester, NH 03109). The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Visiting Angels, Elliot Palliative Care, Elliot VNA, and, most of all, Courville for their compassionate care during Ruth’s final days.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester, NH 03104. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 16, 2026, 10 a.m. at Saint Joseph Cathedral, 145 Lowell Street, in Manchester, NH. Committal prayers will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 448 Donald Street, in Bedford, NH.

To view Ruth’s online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit https://phaneuf.net. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, NH.