Thursday, February 7, 2019 7:49 am

Louise Ballard Burleson, age 91, of Forest City, passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2019.

Louise was born May 2, 1927 in Rutherford County to the late Henry Ballard and Nettie Martin Ballard. She worked in textiles, for PPG industries and Genpak industries for many years. Louise was a member of Harriett Memorial Free Will Baptist Church and enjoyed flower gardening and reading. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of forty-seven years, Oscar "Ott" Burleson; son, Jimmy Burleson and four brothers, Glen, Eugene, Earl and David Ballard.

Those left to cherish her memory include three daughters, Brenda Warrick (Thomas) of Mooresboro, Joanne Thrift of Forest City and Kimberly Keitt of Charlotte; son, Michael Burleson (Lisa) also of Forest City; two sisters, Gwendolyn Ledford of Forest City and Frances Scarlata of New Orleans, LA. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, which includes her grandson, who was her caretaker for many years; eleven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service was conducted at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial donations are requested to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.