Melvin Russell Ballard Jr., was born October 8, 1928 to his parents Melvin Russell Ballard SR. and his wife, Geraldine Smith Ballard.  He was the only boy among three sisters. All of the siblings lived in the same home in Salt Lake City, UT until they were married.

Elder M. Russell Ballard grew up knowing the meaning of hard work. His father was the owner of Ballard Moto Co. in Salt Lake City. He instilled the work ethic to always work hard and whatever you’re doing. Elder Ballard always had a job from the time he could work. He started out young mowing lawns to earn money. His mother was his best friend when we was young, he remembers her as a sweet and compassionate woman.

Anne Keddington, his younger sister, remembers Elder Ballard as a young man,  he was “ smiling, slender, wiry young man with a fun sense of  humor.”