Phyllis Clarke Ballou died peacefully on June 6 ^th at Lafayette Rehab and Skilled Nursing Facility in Marblehead. She was the wife of the late James Howland Ballou of Salem, MA.

Phyllis was born in Springfield and raised in Longmeadow. She attended Classical High School and went on to get her degree in education at Wheelock College where she served as president of her class for two years.

She graduated in June 1947 and married soon after. Phyllis taught for several years at Shore Country Day School in Beverly before she and Jim started their family. They went on to have five girls over the next 11 years. Phyllis had a passion for horses and riding. She was an avid reader, especially fond of history. She enjoyed playing bridge, watching PBS and traveling with Jim.

For many years she worked at the Peabody Essex Museum and later she worked part time at The Witch House. Phyllis loved Salem and made many friends wherever she went; she always had a huge smile and a twinkle in her eye for everyone. She was especially known for her wry wit and sense of humor. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by: Charlotte Cavanaugh and husband Philip of Erving, MA: Stephen Caswell of Bethel, ME and sons Samuel and William Caswell of Portland, ME: Susan Carter of Salem, MA and son Bradford of Denver, CO: Heidi Loring and children Tyler, James, and Kirsten of Norton, MA.

She was pre-deceased by her daughter Elizabeth Ballou (1985), husband James Howland Ballou (1995) and daughter Elise Ballou Caswell (2016). The family is grateful to the loving staff of Lafayette Nursing in Marblehead.

Her Memorial Service will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 86 Federal St., (corner of North St.) Salem on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 2:00 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth St NW, Washington, DC 20006-3517. For additional information or online guest book please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.