Virginia Merle Burriss Ballard, 89 of Huntington, WV passed away on Thursday February 13, 2014 at her residence. Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Beard Mortuary with Rev. Hubert Harvey officiating. Entombment will follow at Woodmere Memorial Park. She was born June 3, 1924 in Russell, KY the daughter of the late Fred and Dora Conn. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Averill Burriss, Jr. and a brother Atlee Conn. She was a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church where she attended the Fellowship Sunday School Class. Merle retired with 40 of service as an Adjudicator for the Veterans Administration. Later in life Merle returned to Marshall University where she received a Psychology Degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She was an avid supporter of Marshall University sports and was a Kentucky Colonel. She attended the Kentucky Derby for over 50 straight years. She was a member and president of the former Aqua Garden Club. She was an avid boater, one of a trio of Water Skiing Gram-Ma’s at the Huntington Yacht Club. One of Merles many joys was taking Ocean Cruises and traveling abroad. She is survived by her husband, Carlos Ballard, Jr.; a son, Averill Burriss, III; five grandsons, Butchie, James, Russell, Mike and Patrick; seven great grandchildren, Shelsea, Tyler, McKayla, Conner, Jameson, Wesley and Vivian and a host of friends. Merle was a caring, loving, giving person who loved her family and friends. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Becky for her wonderful care and guidance over the years and also a special thank you to her caregivers, Theresa, Shirley, Judy, Ruth and Kathy. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Fifth Avenue Baptist Church.