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Stephen Ballard, Jr.

December 27, 1987 - November 28, 2012
Battle Creek, MI

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Visitation

Saturday, December 1, 2012
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

SPCA of Southwest Michigan
6955 West "KL" Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Schafer's Flowers Inc.
3274 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(800) 760-7050
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Extremely artistic, good spirited, and with a heart of gold, Stephen Paul Ballard Jr. was always willing to help others. With a personality uniquely his own, Stephen found pleasure and joy in the many things which were so personal to him. He fought a hard battle in overcoming the addictions which overcame him, but in the end, it is his good heart which will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

As Ronald Reagan made his way as the 40th President of the United States in 1987, the Simpsons cartoon made its debut while Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson blasted the song charts. For Stephen Sr. and Eva Ballard, the year was filled with mixed blessings as they anticipated the arrival and gift that Christmas. On December 27, 1987, they welcomed Stephen Jr. into their hearts.

Born at Bronson Hospital, Stephen was taken to their family home in Kalamazoo and was later joined by younger siblings, Ashley and Nick. The oldest of three, Stephen was a good natured child who from early on liked helping others. He loved children, which made him a good big brother. He was always looking out for his younger sister and brother.

Unique in many regards, Stephen had a way about him and he led life to his own tune. He was good spirited, and was quite talented artistically. He loved animals and seemed to have the ability to understand them in his own, special way.

People either liked Stephen, or they didn't, and he really didn't much care. He lived to a beat all his own, and preferred it that way. He enjoyed listening to many genres of music, but did not like country or, "rap crap" as he called it. He cared about his appearance, and his many tattoos were a form of his own individuality and expression. Stephen always tried to find good in people and ALWAYS gave people a second chance, even when no one else would.

Stephen was into scary and unusual movies. He had a large group of friends, and was a social butterfly. In time he became involved with Scientology. “When you yourself hold the truth, the shadows by which you are bound tend to slither away” – LRH. He found his strength in Scientology. It was a hard struggle, but Stephen overcame his addiction and was clean for over a year. He formed many new friendships, and was headed in the right direction.

A job as an intake coordinator at a drug treatment facility in Battle Creek gave life new meaning to Stephen. Caring and giving, he always had the best interest of others in mind. He and his partner, Michael Parsons were making a good life together along with their two dogs, Rusty and Itty-Bitty, which reflected Stephen's love for animals. He had dreams of traveling, and although he never really had the opportunity to do so, he dreamed just the same.

This new direction in Stephen's life brought welcome relief for his family who struggled to understand him for so many years. Through many sleepless nights and much prayer, they were encouraged by Stephen's progress and hopeful for his future.

Courteous and respectful just as much as he was stubborn and bullheaded, Stephen had a will and mind of his own. He always chose to do things his way, whether good or bad. One of his favorite places to be was at the mall shopping. He loved shopping and enjoyed spending money on the nicer things in life. Stephen also liked to gamble, not only at the slots, but in every aspect of his life. He took chances, and thrived on the gamble with every chance he took.

In the end, Stephen lost the gamble of his young life. One chance too many, he leaves behind memories of a struggling, yet good hearted soul who loved fully and gave at every opportunity. The battle too great, Stephen sadly died at home on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from a drug overdose at the age of 24. Gone but never to be forgotten, his goodness lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Friends may visit with family on Saturday, from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900). For those who wish, contributions in his memory may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Stephen and to sign his online guest book.

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