Kahla Ballard

Kahla Sue Lindelof Sparger Ballard was joyfully welcomed home by her Savior on November 24, 2020, in Cleveland, Georgia, after 69 well-spent years on earth. She is survived by her husband, Mel; their three daughters, Sharla (Lindell), Rhea (Aaron), and Kendra; her six grandchildren, Layton, Skyler, Savannah (Philip), Fischer, Jonah, and Judah; her sister, Deborah Jefferson (Sam); and brother, Steve Sparger. Kahla was born in Lafayette, Indiana, on September 19, 1951, to her parents Lawrence Lindelof and Georgia Collins. In 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Mel, on her 18th birthday. The two enjoyed over 51 years of marriage, creating a legacy of loving people, and they shared many beautiful memories with family in Indiana, Florida and Georgia. Throughout her life, Kahla’s joy was teaching and investing in young adults. She devoted several decades to teaching the Bible, children’s church, Sunday school, youth group mentorship, and women’s ministry at their local Christian school and church. To this day, many of her former students still see her as their honorary mother and the source of guidance they needed during the years they spent in her classroom. Additionally, she volunteered as a high school cheerleading coach, served as a homemaker and stay-at-home mother and was instrumental in helping Mel manage the family business. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do and the God of peace shall be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9 KJV She lived to spend time with friends and family and her beloved cat, Max, at “Almost Heaven,” their cabin in Georgia. Kahla enjoyed spending her time tending to her violets, playing Words with Friends (and winning most of the time), watching Hallmark movies, photographing family and scrapbooking memories made with them. Through-out her life, Kahla loved writing poetry and researching her family heritage. Each night she took time to encourage others by sharing daily devotionals and Bible verses on her Facebook page. Kahla LOVED her grandchildren and they brought her so much joy. She spent time studying Bible verses with her three youngest grandsons. She shared recipes and all things creative with her only granddaughter. Her chocolate chip cookies were out of this world and she loved making these for friends and family and especially sending them to her grandsons when they were serving in the military. Kahla’s ultimate pride and joy was her family and serving others generously through her time, hospitality and treasure. Her impact upon the countless individuals she poured into is immeasurable, and her kind brown eyes and infectious smile will be dearly missed. Her hope would be for you to carry her kindness and love for others with you each day in her honor. Cherish each moment and know that she loves you all “bunches and gobs.” In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to further the organizations Kahla loved: “Girl of Hope” (www.girlofhope.com) or Elevation Church (elevationchurch.org/giveonline/). “The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee.” Numbers 6:24-25 KJV To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.