HALLOWELL - Charlene S. Ballard, 96, of Water Street, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, at her home after a brief illness. She was born in Boston, Mass., on Sept. 30, 1912, the daughter of Edwin R. and Charlena R. Sleeper of Gardiner. She was a member of the Gardiner High School class of 1931 and was married to Milton W. Ballard. In her earlier years, she was active in community work, including holding various offices in the Parent Teacher Association and the Kennebec County Tuberculosis Association. She worked for the city of Hallowell at the Health Clinic and for many years at the voting polls. She later worked in the office of E.E. Taylor and Augusta Supply Co. For 23 years, she was a supervisor at the Augusta Convalescent Center, retiring in 1991 at the age of 79. Charlene was a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Hallowell. She very much loved her family, gardening, animals and her home. She was predeceased by her husband, Milton W. Ballard, in 1978; two sons, Calvin D. Ballard in 1960 and William I. Ballard in 2004; and a daughter-in-law, Helen Ballard Lawrence, in 2005. She is survived by six grandchildren, Marlene McFadden and her husband, Ted, of Sidney, Charlene Daniels and her husband, James, of Augusta, Linda Cameron and her husband, Mark, of Augusta, Billie Jo Glynn and her companion, Brad Clement, of Readfield, Calvin Ballard of Chelsea, and Laurie Adams of Pittston; a step-granddaughter, Sherrie Alward and her husband, Tom, of Readfield; a daughter-in-law, Joan Ballard, of Manchester; two sisters-in-law, Clara Mendall and her husband, Carleton, of Windham, and Charlotte Ballard of Hallowell and Florida; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Visiting will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, where a funeral service will be held following the visitation at 2 p.m. The Rev. Calvin Sanborn, Pastor of St. Matthews Episcopal Church, will officiate. Burial will occur in Hallowell Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the Hallowell Police Department, Boynton's Market and Katherine Kessler for their help and support. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Salvation Army, 11 North Pearl St., Augusta, ME 04330; the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330; or St. Matthew's Church, 18 Union Street, Hallowell, ME 04347.