Rodney Ballast

Rodney Gene Ballast, age 88, of Jenison, entered his eternal home with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 17, 2026.

A man of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and genuine humility, Rod loved the Lord with all his heart, cherished his family beyond measure, and found joy in serving others. He lived with integrity, worked diligently, and found happiness in life's simple blessings. Whether serving in his church, providing for his family, or offering a warm smile and kind word to a friend or stranger, Rod reflected Christ's love in both his words and his actions.

One of Rod's most recognizable qualities was that he always had a song in his heart. Whether singing in the church choir or praise team, humming a favorite hymn, or simply whistling as he went about his day, music was woven into the fabric of his life. His songs were more than melodies; they reflected the joy, hope, and gratitude that filled his heart.

Alongside his love of music was a deep appreciation for God's creation. Rod found great joy in experiencing the beauty of the world God had made from the seat of his bicycle. Long before cycling became a popular pastime, he rode his bicycle to and from work nearly every day—through sunshine, rain, and even snow. For many years, he planned week-long bicycle adventures with family and friends, often riding nearly 100 miles each day. Those trips were about much more than the miles. They were opportunities to experience God's beautiful creation firsthand, enjoy the companionship of family and friends, and embrace the simple joys of life. Whether his day found him singing a favorite hymn, whistling a cheerful tune, or pedaling down a quiet country road, Rod found happiness in the everyday gifts God had given him.

Faith was the foundation upon which Rod built his life. He was raised at Beverly Christian Reformed Church, where his parents, Arnold and Edith, were founding members. After marrying his sweetheart, Joyce, Rod and Joyce became active members of 36th Street Christian Reformed Church in Wyoming. There, Rod shared his gifts through Vacation Bible School, choir, and as both an elder and deacon. They later attended LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church before becoming devoted members of Faith Community Christian Reformed Church. There, Rod continued using his gifts in the choir and praise team while serving as an elder, deacon, and chairman of the church council. His relationship with Christ shaped every part of his life. It was evident in his kindness, his humility, his willingness to help others, and the quiet example he set each day.

Born on December 26, 1937, Rod graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1955. After graduating, Rod faithfully served his country in the Michigan National Guard from 1955 through 1961. On December 5, 1955, he married the love of his life, Joyce. Their love story began as teenagers—Joyce was just 16 and Rod was 17—and together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love. They shared more than 66 years of marriage until Joyce's passing in 2022, creating a legacy that continues through generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Following high school, Rod began his career at the General Motors Fisher Body Plant before joining Gill & Williams Tooling. He later fulfilled his dream of owning his own business by founding Sharp Design. Blessed with a naturally curious mind, exceptional mechanical ability, and an inventive spirit, Rod was an innovative designer and gifted problem-solver whose creativity led to multiple patented inventions. Through every stage of his career, he earned the respect of those around him through his integrity, craftsmanship, humility, and unwavering work ethic. He believed every job was worth doing well and took pride not only in the work he created but also in the relationships he built along the way.

Nothing brought Rod greater joy than gathering with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He delighted in celebrating life's milestones, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. His gentle spirit, patient heart, quiet wisdom, joyful songs, and enduring faith shaped the lives of those who knew him best. His legacy is not measured by the positions he held, the patents he earned, or the miles he rode, but by the countless lives he touched through his example of steadfast love, contagious joy, humble service, and unwavering trust in the Lord.

While Rod's final years were marked by the limitations of an earthly body that no longer allowed him to think as clearly or move as freely as he once had, his faith never wavered. Today, we rejoice knowing that he has been made whole, restored in the presence of his Savior, and reunited with his beloved "Joycie," as he so lovingly called her throughout their life together. His mind is clear, his strength is restored, his steps are sure, and the songs that once filled his days are now joined with the eternal praises of heaven.

Rod was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 66 years, Joyce Ballast; his son, Gary Ballast; grandson, Benjamin Ballast; daughters-in-law, Karen Ballast and Annette Ballast; son-in-law, Allan Rietberg; his sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Harvard Meyers; his sister-in-law, Kathy Ballast; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gordon and Barbara Longstreet; and his sister-in-law, Yolanda Longstreet.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Douglas Ballast; Pamela (Robert) Machiele; Julia Rietberg; Marvin (Holly) Ballast; Curtis Ballast; and Cynthia (Mark) Miller; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Dan (Linda) Ballast, Leon (Paula) Ballast, Michael (Carolyn) Ballast, Clifton Ballast, Bruce (Pat) Ballast, and Jeff (Susan) Ballast; his brother-in-law, James Longstreet; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The Ballast family extends their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary staff of Waterford Place and Faith Hospice for the exceptional love, compassion, and care they provided to Rod and our entire family.

Rod and Joyce were among the first residents to move into the Independent Living community at Waterford Place when it opened in 2009. They quickly embraced it as home, creating lasting friendships and enjoying this chapter of life together. As Joyce's care needs changed, Rod lovingly moved with her to the Memory Care neighborhood so they could continue their journey side by side. Following Joyce's passing, Rod transitioned to Assisted Living, remaining in the community that had become such an important part of his life.

Throughout those years, the remarkable staff at Waterford Place became so much more than caregivers. They became trusted friends who loved Rod and Joyce well, treating them with dignity, kindness, laughter, and genuine compassion each day. The relationships they built brought comfort not only to Mom and Dad, but also to our entire family. Knowing they were surrounded by people who truly cared gave us tremendous peace.

To every member of the Waterford Place team and the Faith Hospice team who took the time over these past two weeks to share a story, a memory, a smile, or a kind word about Rod and Joyce, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Those moments reminded us just how deeply they were loved and how many lives they touched.

There are so many individuals we would love to thank by name, but we know we would inevitably leave someone out. Please know that each of you holds a special place in our hearts. Thank you for loving our parents so well, for treating them like family, and for walking alongside us with such kindness and compassion. Your care made an immeasurable difference in their lives and in ours, and for that we will be forever grateful.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 23, 11 a.m., at Faith Community Christian Reformed Church, 5250 Byron Center Avenue SW, Wyoming, officiated by Rev. Roger Groenboom and Pastor Hank Vlaardingerbroek. Interment will take place at Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, July 22, from 6-8 p.m., at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW, and on Thursday, July 23, from 10-11 a.m. at church prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Community Christian Reformed Church or Faith Hospice.