Elizabeth Diane (Ballard) Harbeson

Elizabeth "Diane" (Ballard) Harbeson, 78, of Clarksville, passed away on Friday, July 3,
2026. Born to the late Mary Jane (Osborne) and Francis E. "Buck" Ballard, Sr., Diane
lived a life marked by faith, joy, and service to others.
Diane built a long and meaningful career after earning an Associate’s Degree in
Accounting from Indiana University Southeast. She spent more than 34 years as a
senior tax analyst with H&R Block, where she enjoyed serving clients and learning the
stories behind their lives. She also worked for many years at the U.S. Census Bureau
and, before that, spent 23 years at ICI Americas in Charlestown, Indiana, as a budget
analyst and reporting specialist. Professional relationships often became lasting
friendships. During many summers, Diane also joined her husband, Jim Harbeson, Jr.,
in operating Golf-to-Go, a traveling putt-putt course set up at fairgrounds, malls, and
outdoor events across the country.
Diane loved staying active and keeping her mind engaged. She was often at the gym by
4 a.m., and challenged herself with Words with Friends, Wordle, and Connections. Long
before healthy living became a trend, she sought nourishing foods and healthier
homemade alternatives to store-bought products, always looking for ways to care for
her body and improve her well-being. She also enjoyed crafting, especially rubber
stamping, and brought creativity and care to the things she made.
Diane was a devoted guardian to her sister, Mary Ballard, and a source of care for
others who needed a home, support, or encouragement during difficult moments in their
lives. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel valued and loved.
She could engage in conversation for hours and loved sharing the joys and
accomplishments of those around her.
She was a devoted member of Southeast Christian Church in New Albany, Indiana,
where she faithfully attended Bible Study, participated in Women of the Living Word,
and treasured the fellowship of her church family.
Later in life, Diane developed a special love for animals after adopting her beloved dog,
Toby. She adored him, cared for him faithfully, and delighted in preparing customized
tasty snacks just for him.
Diane delighted in bringing joy to others, whether by choosing a unique and thoughtful
gift, preparing a home-cooked meal, or seeking out a new adventure like ziplining. She
treasured laughter and fellowship with family and friends while also relishing quiet
moments at home, reflecting on the love of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and praying for
others.

Her joyful spirit, kindness, and generosity left a lasting imprint on the lives of all who
knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her
husband of 25 years, James E. "Jim" Harbeson, Jr.; her brother, Frank E. Ballard, Jr.;
and her sister, Mary Brent Ballard.
She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Lynn (Ballard) Ray of Louisville; her
brother, Robert Ballard (Kathy) of Nonesuch, Kentucky; her two beloved sons, Travis
Williams (Jessica) of Richmond, Virginia, and Todd Williams (Tonia) of Astoria, Oregon;
her many beloved nieces and nephews; her four-legged companion, Toby; and
countless coworkers, neighbors, Bible study friends, and longtime clients who will
remember her companionship, laughter, warm smile, and loving disposition.
A memorial service celebrating Diane’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12,
2026, at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130.
Friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Cedar Lake Foundation, 9901 Linn Station
Road, Suite 901, Louisville, Kentucky 40223.
Though Diane's earthly journey has ended, the love she shared, the faith she lived, and
the countless lives she touched will continue to shine brightly. Her beautiful smile,
compassionate heart, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed until the day her family and
friends are reunited with her in the presence of the Lord.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Diane (Ballard) Harbeson, please visit our floral store.