Alberta Ballard

Alberta (Schmidt) Hein Ballard was born April 27, 1929, to John and Louise (Reiswig) Schmidt, joining sisters, Marcella, Elvina, and Lucille. After a recent fall, Alberta passed peacefully on September 21, 2024 at the age of 95.

In 1950, Alberta married Gerald Hein of Lodi, and began a long career for the State of CA. In the next few years, they welcomed their two sons, Thomas and John. 

In 1962, the family moved to Carmichael, where Alberta resided for the next 52 years. The home was the site of many get togethers, with a beautiful yard and garden, that Alberta lovingly cared for. Alberta was the consummate hostess, entertaining family and friends. 

Alberta was an efficient, effective Administrator with a long and successful career with the State of CA. Among her cherished possessions was a picture commemorating her role as President of the State Women’s’ Club, with Governor Ronald and Nancy Regan.

On a business trip, she met future husband, James “Jim” Ballard an Aeronautical Engineer for Hughes Aircraft from Long Beach, CA. The couple begin a long-distance courtship. Upon Retirement, Jim joined Alberta at the family home in Carmichael. On a trip to Hawaii, they decided to get married on the beach. Over the years, Alberta & Jim experienced wonderful vacations to Austria, Italy, and Scotland.

In 2013, they moved to Winding Commons Senior Residence. After a lengthy course of Parkinson’s, Jim passed in January 2020.

In the last year, Alberta was cared for by her devoted caregiver, Carroll Lovell, allowing her to remain in her little “nest” as she lovingly referred to it. She enjoyed looking out on her patio filled with its lush greenery and calming sound of the waterfall.

Alberta was predeceased by her parents, sisters, Marcella, Elvina and Lucille, husbands Gerald Hein and James Ballard, Son, John and Granddaughter, Chelsea. She is survived by her Son, Tom, daughter in law, Laura, granddaughter Amy and mother Dawn, many nieces and nephews and close friends. She was a 50+ year member of the Central Seventh Day Adventist Church, where services will be held on November 4 at 10:30 a.m. Alberta will join her beloved husband at the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Dixon, CA