Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family. Wish I was there to give you a hug

Posted by Connie and Pat Hough - Weems, VA - Cousin   December 04, 2015

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Richards passing. I am a friend of Cindy's and we all used to go out for drinks on Fridays after work or they would invite me to their home. We have been talking about getting together again but we all know how life happens and time flies. Richard always welcomed me and was so kind, easy going and funny. Just a wonderful man all around. My deepest sympathy to Cindy and the Ballard family. Richard was one of a kind. I will be there for happy hour tonight Richard! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends!

Posted by Andrea Flaherty - North Liberty, IA - Friend   December 04, 2015

Sorry for your loss. Rich will be missed

Posted by Allen sandi freel - Galena, MO   December 03, 2015

Was so shocked and saddened to see of Rich's death in yesterday's Washington Evening Journal. I was a friend and classmate of Rich's in high school and distinctly remember sitting next to him in trigonometry. We had good times chatting before class, he was such a witty fella. He was a strong student, without having to work as hard as I did!!

For those of you closest to Rich, I'm so very sorry for your loss.. I hope that your memories will sustain you and time will help to heal the deep sadness in your hearts. Marde McConnell

Posted by Marde McConnell - Washington, IA - highg school classmate   December 02, 2015

Cindy and family, One is never prepared for the loss of a loved one. Take comfort surrounding yourselves with family and friends during this difficult time.

Posted by Linda Beeler - Iowa City, IA - Classmate and friend   December 02, 2015

Will and Family,

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Adam Miller - Washington, IA   December 02, 2015

Cindy, I am so sorry for your loss. I have always noticed that when you were speaking of Richard there was a giddiness in your tone. We all knew how much you two loved each other. You are in my prayers.

Posted by Penny Sweeeting - Riverside, IA   December 02, 2015

Cindy I am so very sorry to hear of Richard's death! I wish I could be there to give you a big hug! I cannot imagine the emptiness you feel. I am so grateful that your boys and their families are near you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Much love, Kris

Posted by Kristy Burchard - Hollister, CA - High School friend of Cindy's   December 01, 2015

I met Richard through Cindy, a close friend and high school classmate. Over time I knew him as a gifted carpenter, welcoming neighbor and witty conversationalist. It was with great sadness that I learned of his passing.
To his family, please know that although grief can be hard, it will be replaced with wonderful memories of his life.

Posted by Jill (Latta) Gerot - North Liberty, IA - Friend & Former Neighbor   December 01, 2015

Words can't express the sorry I feel for you and your family. We just always think they will be with us. Just remember all the good times and tuck them in your heart where he will be forever.

Posted by Randy and Donna Arthur and family - Ainsworth, IA - Friends   December 01, 2015

Leave a condolence or a memory.

Posted by Cheryl Ballard - Richmond, TX   December 01, 2015

Erik & Family ,
Iam so sorry to read about your dads passing . Your family are in my thoughts and prayers . Keep all those great memories close to your heart and share with that sweet lil son of yours .

Matt

Posted by Matt ( Spike ) Gavin - Iowa City, IA - Friend   December 01, 2015

I'll always be grateful to Rich for demonstrating how to enjoy athletics and music. He was comfortable in his high school football and band uniform as well as the choir robe. He was good in everything he did. He was also easy going in speaking his own mind while remaining your friend. Blessings to his family.

Posted by Rev. Denny Coon - Ankeny, IA - High school classmate   December 01, 2015

So sorry for your loss Cindy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by LeAnn Gerard    December 01, 2015

Cindy we have been praying for all of you in the past days. I'm sure Richard we be missed terribly! Know that we are thinking of all of you.

Posted by Dan and Mary Pierson - Merrill, IA - Friend and Class mate of Cindy.   November 30, 2015

To the Family of a good friend. I is tough to lose a loved one at Holiday Time. Remember the good times, I know I will. He has gone before us to prepare a place. We will all be together again. God Bless to all of you

Posted by Jerry Eiffert - Washington, IA - Classmate in High School   November 30, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Hard to lose someone at holiday time. I am classmate from high school.

Posted by Monica McCarthy - Altoona, IA - classmates 1965   November 30, 2015

Richard was my best friend in Kindergarden, I think he may have been my first real friend. Our parents were friends so my mother would report from time to time what Richard and his brothers were up to.

Although our paths never cross again after high school, there is a special place in my heart for my first friend.

Posted by Elizabeth Knecht - Juneau, AK - friend   November 30, 2015