Ruth Hattie Kelly Balla, age 92, of South Acworth, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026. Born on February 5, 1934, to William (Bill) Kelly Sr. and Marion Pickering, Ruth spent her childhood in Keene and the surrounding areas. She cherished her sister, Bunny, excelled in school, and developed a love for music and basketball—activities that would shape her life and lead her to meet her future husband, Ralph L. Balla. Ruth and Ralph married in November 1951, beginning their journey together as a devoted couple.

As they built their life in South Acworth, Ruth and Ralph welcomed four children: John, Lyle, Bob, and Heidi. Together, they managed a farm, logged with horses, and provided local excavation services. Their strong work ethic led them, in 1973, to establish R.L. Balla Inc., a sawmill fondly remembered on Beryl Mountain Road.

Beyond her entrepreneurial spirit, Ruth was a gifted musician. She played both piano and accordion with grace and joy, often singing with a women’s group called The Yankee Bells. Her interests stretched far and wide—snowmobiling, sewing, collecting antique dolls and trucks, and tracing her family roots through genealogy. Throughout her life, Ruth was an avid reader and a dedicated member of the Friends of the Library in Acworth, reflecting her passion for books and community involvement.

As her family grew, Ruth delighted in her role as “Gramma” to grandchildren, Matt, Jessi, Brooke, Brittany, and Emily. She cherished bringing them to camp, whether in Pittsburg, NH, or Moosehead Lake, ME, always embracing the joys of country living and sharing the fresh air and quiet beauty of the outdoors. Ruth’s pride in her family was clear in every tradition and adventure she created with them.

Throughout her life, Ruth displayed remarkable versatility, capably running an office, training dogs, and organizing multiple events. She had a soft spot for children and a knack for weaving magic into everyday moments. Her great-grandchildren, Eli, Charlie, Maebel, Lila, Zion, Beckett, and Thatcher, will remember secret gnomes under her kitchen sink that brought green jelly, her ability to make Mt. Monadnock “disappear,” and her endless supply of cookies and ice cream. Ruth’s sense of humor and warmth made every visit to Gramma’s a special occasion.

Family was at the heart of Ruth’s world. Alongside her immediate family, she cherished many cousins, nieces, and nephews, sharing a special bond with her niece, Beth. Her love extended through every branch of her family tree, nurturing relationships and creating lasting memories.

Following Ruth’s passing in February, funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Church on the Hill in Acworth, NH. Burial will follow at the Acworth Cemetery, allowing family and friends to honor Ruth’s legacy and celebrate her remarkable life.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.