Geneva Yvonne Holton Ballard

Geneva Yvonne Holton Ballard, 87, of Independence, Louisiana, passed away in her home on April 23, 2021 of natural causes.

Yvonne was born on May 16, 1933 in Tangipahoa, Louisiana. She attended Amite High School and played women's basketball. She was on the 1952 Louisiana State Champion basketball team. After graduation, she worked at Lallie Kemp Hospital for 20 years.

She shared her love of music with her children ensuring they learned to play the piano and sing in the church choir. She loved to dance in the kitchen while baking Christmas cookies that she would later share with family and friends. She dedicated her life to helping others, leading and serving on the hospitality committee at the First Baptist Church for many years, driving friends to doctor appointments and treatments, and sitting with those in need.

During her lifetime she garnered the love of two men, Phillip Mondebello, Sr., for 33 years, and Francis Ballard until his death in March, 2019.

Yvonne is preceded in death by her mother Bessie Bass Holton David, father Robert Holton, Sr. and two brothers Robert Jr. and Fred Holton; spouses Phillip Mondebello, Sr. and Francis Ballard. She is survived by her children Leanne Malone; Peggy Russo, spouse Chris Russo; Paula Mondebello, and Phillip Mondebello, Jr., spouse DeAnne Hennessey Mondebello; her grandchildren Tommy and Aaron Malone; Lacey Mulkey; Dustin LaMarca, spouse Sabrina Rick LaMarca; Caitlin LaMarca Adney, spouse Justin Adney; and Evan, Madeline and Nick Mondebello; along with nine great grandchildren.

She was and will always be an exceptional Mother and Grandmother and will be missed every day.

Please join the family by celebrating her life at her Memorial Service on May 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Independence followed by a private burial at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.

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