1970 – 2015

PORTLAND — Ronda Mary Ballard, 45, of Mechanic Falls, died Saturday, July 4, at Maine Medical Center of an aneurysm. As she left this world, she gave her kidneys to two recipients as a gift of life, allowing them to be taken off dialysis.

She was born on April 21, 1970, in Havelock, N.C., the daughter of Alfred and Kathleen Welts Covert. She attended local schools and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1988. She married Michael Ballard on Aug. 25, 1990.

Ronda worked as a waitress at JJ’s Restaurant in Mechanic Falls, Future Foods and the L.L. Bean call center, and managed the Mechanic Falls Pharmacy. She had just received her certified nursing assistant license to be a nurse when she had her first aneurysm.

She had a welcoming personality and was a social butterfly. She was willing to help anyone, and everyone loved her peanut butter fudge. She was the most loving wife, mother, aunt and friend. She was a second mother to her niece and nephew, Emily and Alex Covert. Ronda was an active participant in the Mechanic Falls Christmas Committee and helped cook at the American Legion. She also enjoyed spending time at camp, as well as camping with the camping group. She loved being with her friends, as well as racing at Oxford Plains Speedway.

She is survived by her husband, Michael of Mechanic Falls; son, Mikey Ballard II of Mechanic Falls; siblings, Michael and wife, Hope Covert, of South Paris, Michael Cote and wife, Chris, of Minot, Patricia Bennett and husband, Eric, of Naples, Cindy Levesque and husband, Ray, of Mechanic Falls, Becky Grass and husband, Colan, of Littleton, Roger Covert of Monmouth, and Donald Covert and wife, Heidi, of Auburn; parents-in-law, Stacy and wife, Sandra Ballard, of Mechanic Falls; sisters-in-law, Michelle Gravel and husband, Gary, and Melissa Archer and husband, Jim; brother-in-law, Mark Ballard and significant other, Tammy Curtis; best friend, Peggy White of Mechanic Falls; and wonderful neighbors and friends, Tanya and Alan Cadman; many aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews; cousins; and friends.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.