Elizabeth J Warden

Elizabeth “Libby” Josephine Warden (née Ballard), age 88 of Elyria, OH, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, Tuesday, September 9, 2025.  She was born July 31, 1937, in Savannah, GA to Burley Ballard and Julia (nee Tatham) Ballard. Soon after her birth, her family returned to their hometown of Asheville, NC where Libby was raised.

Libby graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School in Asheville. She marched as a high school majorette, a position that was both competitive and glamorous, and one she took great pride in earning. Around this time, she was featured on a children’s television program, appearing on-air as “Miss Elizabeth” in the very early days of local broadcasting. She went on to attend Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN where she obtained her teaching credentials and was crowned a Southern beauty queen. She met her husband of 68 years, Noel Stephen “Steve” Warden at Carson-Newman and the couple was married June 7, 1957 at First Baptist Church of Asheville. Following their wedding, they moved to Arlington, VA where Libby worked in Washington, DC as a secretary for the Department of the Navy. Their first child, Mike, was born in Washington. Steve and Libby relocated back to North Carolina for a few years and she worked for the State Department. Their daughter, Teri, and son, Robert, were born in North Carolina and in 1964, the family moved to Elyria, OH, where they made their lifelong home.

Libby taught kindergarten at Cascade and Ely Elementary schools in Elyria. She managed to balance her teaching with being present for her three young children, making sure she was there when they returned home for lunch and again at the end of the school day. Eventually she stepped away from teaching and embraced being a stay-at-home mother. Libby enjoyed supporting her children’s activities including various sports, horseback riding and Teri playing the violin. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Little League North. Once the children were older and more independent, she embarked on a new career as an administrative assistant to the president of Trio Products, a plastics company in Elyria. She excelled in her new role and was very proud of the work she did.

Libby was a member of the Elyria Woman’s Club where she served as treasurer and managed numerous historical preservation and educational projects. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Ruth Davidson Chapter in Asheville and an associate member of the Nathan Perry Chapter in Lorain. Additionally, she was a longtime member of Elyria’s First United Methodist Church. Libby lived her life with much patience, grace, resourcefulness, and a determined spirit. She had the most beautiful blue eyes and sweetest smile, and she had an amazing way of making you feel loved. She will be deeply missed by all who love her.

Libby is survived by her husband Noel Stephen “Steve” Warden; children Stephen Michael “Mike” Warden (Debra) and Teri Warden Bickmore; grandchildren Lysa Warden (Chris Helm), Darcy Warden, Brian Bickmore, and Diana Bickmore; and great-grandchildren Audryana, Austin, and Augustus Warden.

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Glenn “Bobby” Warden; her parents, Burley and Julia Ballard; brother, Burley Vincent Ballard; and sister, Barbara Ballard Aldridge.

The family will receive friends Monday, September 15, 2025 from 11:00 am until the time of a 1:00 pm service at Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH. Burial will follow in Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria and friends are invited to attend. Rev. Marcus Atha of First United Methodist will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Elyria Woman’s Club, 218 East Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035.

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