Rita passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 8 a.m. at her home in Torbert. She was 64 years old and a native of West Baton Rouge Parish. Rita was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister.

Visiting will be on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Wilbert Funeral Home in Port Allen from 9 a.m. until time of religious service at 1 p.m. conducted by Rev. John Jones. Burial will follow in Grace Memorial Park in Plaquemine.

Rita is survived by her 5 daughters, Rita Gayle Ballard Adair and boyfriend Paul of Mississippi, Sarah Ballard Cormier and husband Joey of Port Allen, Patricia Anne Ballard of Addis, Pamela Jean Ballard Delauz and husband Louise of Jeanerette, Kylea Marie Miller of Port Allen; one son, James Larry Ballard of Opelousas; three sisters, Gertrude Hutchinson and husband Bill of Livingston, Peggy Misner of Baton Rouge, Margie Burns of Port Allen; one brother, Larry Lake and wife Judy of Port Allen; 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Plaze and Gertrude Scott Lake; two sisters, Hazel Avara and Daisy Nolen; one brother, Plaze Lake Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to defray funeral expenses.