Rosetta (Ballard) McFadden passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2023, with her daughter at her side. She was 93 years old. She was born on Feb. 28, 1930 in Plains, Kansas to parents John Preston Ballard and Anna Lena (Shinogle) Ballard. Rosetta is preceded in death by her parents and 3 older siblings, Woodrow Robert Albert Ballard, Irene Elizabeth (Ballard) Jackson, and John Clarence Ballard. Also 2 nieces and 2 nephews.
The family lived on their farm just outside Plains until 1943 when they moved into town, where her father opened a hardware store.
Rosetta’s desire to teach started in early childhood and never left her. She attended Plains Consolidated Schools, graduating in 1948, then graduated in 1950 from Friends Bible College in Haviland. The next year, Rosetta stayed home and worked with her father in the store.
In the fall of 1951, Rosetta went out to Newberg, Oregon to attend George Fox College. Shortly upon arriving, her father passed away. After a trip home, Rosetta returned to George Fox and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1954. While teaching 5th and 6th grades in the Portland public schools and near Mt. Hood, Rosetta attended Oregon College of Education, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Education in 1958.
Rosetta met Donald Foster McFadden (Deceased), pastor of Overland Park United Brethren Church in SE Portland, and in 1959 they married. Their daughter Malah was born the following year. The family then moved to Carson City, Nevada in 1964.
That fall, Rosetta started Kinderland Nursery School with 3 children, one being her daughter. The school grew and expanded as the need for child care and pre-Kindergarten instruction increased. When she reached 7 enrolled children, she thought she had made it, never guessing the many children, families, and years ahead. She never lost her love of teaching and learning and her hope was to awaken that love in others.
In 2021, Rosetta and Malah retired from Kinderland and moved to Dayton, Oregon. This part of her life was full of Oregon beauty, road trips, especially to the coast, and a slower schedule with time to read. Life was full to the end. Rosetta is survived by her daughter, Malah McFadden, several beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
A graveside service is planned in Oregon.
To send condolences contact:
Macy & Son Funeral Directors
135 NE Evans Street
McMinnville, Oregon 97128
Email: macy@macyandson.com
www.macyandson.com
Rosetta (Ballard) McFadden
February 28, 1930 – April 1, 2023