Martha Maxine Ballard Rou, 85 of Mobile, Alabama, died May 22, 2008 at Taylor Farm Assisted Living, Bushwood, Maryland. Born January 19, 1923 in Mooreville, Mississippi, she was the daughter of the late David S. and Allie May Morgan Ballard.

She was the loving wife of the late Charles M. Rou, whom she married on May 5, 1946 in Tupelo, Mississippi and who preceded her in death on October 14, 2006. She is survived by her daughters Sandra Weber and her husband John of Lynn Haven, Florida and Joyce Malone and her husband Rusty of Lexington Park, MD.

She is also survived by her brother Gus Ballard and his wife Annette of Tupelo, Mississippi, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her grandchildren to whom she was known as "Mimi": Renee Malone of Silver Spring, Maryland, Michael Malone of Lexington Park, Maryland, Hadley Pridgen and her husband Brian and Christian Weber all of Lynn Haven, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her grandson Chad Malone and her siblings: Preston Ballard, Annie Laurie Bishop, Freda Marion, David Ballard and Betty Waters. Martha was a homemaker who served as a secretary and treasurer for her late husband's business, C.M. Rou Services, Inc. She was a lifetime member of the Women of the Church, Central Presbyterian Church, Mobile, Alabama; and she started the New Mobilians Welcome Wagon in August of 1971 in Mobile, Alabama. She traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada with her late husband.

Pallbearers will be Rusty Malone, John Weber, Michael Malone, Christian Weber and Brian Pridgen. Honorary pallbearers will be Gus Ballard and Bill Rawson. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama.

Memorials may be made to Taylor Farm Assisted Living, Inc., P.O. Box 26, Bushwood, Maryland 20618 and or Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.