Snowflake Pioneer Day Parade
Two Couples to Serve as Parade Grand Marshals
Submitted:
For this year’s Pioneer Day Parade, there will be two grand marshal couples, Eva and Rene Juarez and Jim and Kristene Ballard. The Parade will be held on July 23rd beginning at 9am in Snowflake along 2nd Street West.
Eva was born in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1970. While she was growing up, her parents would bring her to America to visit. When her family would travel to America, they would have to walk for 3 days and 2 nights to get to the States. While traveling back and forth, Eva would dream about starting a life and family in the United States.
In 1987, Eva’s dream of moving to America would come true. Eva moved to Snowflake, AZ in 1987 and got her first job as a housekeeper. While working as a housekeeper for many families in Snowflake, she would get a chance to show the love of Christ.
After working in Snowflake for several years, Eva would move to Prescott, AZ in 1990. When Eva moved to Prescott, she was hired at a little Mexican restaurant. This is where she would meet her husband, Rene. Eva and Rene spent three years in Prescott and got married while living there.
In 1993, Eva and Rene moved back to Snowflake. When she returned, she worked at ED’s IGA in the deli department. While working there, she would make some Mexican food and sell it to customers. People would come in and tell her that she needed to open up a Mexican restaurant. One day while she was working, her now business partner, Eddie Hoskins, told her about the donut shop in town that was renting out space.
After some time, that little donut shop became Eva’s restaurant, then as her business was continually being blessed, they were able to move to a bigger location on Main Street in Snowflake. La Cocina De Eva has been a dream come true for Eva.
Eva and Rene have 3 kids, two boys (Jacob and Huber), and one daughter (Daniela). They are blessed with 3 beautiful grandchildren, with one more on the way.
Eva and Rene are still part owners of La Cocina De Eva. They continue to work full-time there because they love what they do. Eva’s desire is for La Cocina De Eva to be a place where people feel warm and welcomed.
Even though Eva has not had the easiest life being an immigrant, she attributes her success to her faith in Jesus Christ. If it were not for the grace that He freely gives, she would not be where she is today.
Jim Ballard was born and raised in Snowflake AZ. After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he moved to Mesa AZ to attend college and met and married Kristene Nielson. Jim ran his father in law’s truss plant for 4 years and then decided to return home to Snowflake to start his own. Jim has been a substantial employer, honorable businessman and an asset to the economy of the community. He also served a term on the town council. He has served in various church callings from scoutmaster to counselor in a Bishopric and Stake Presidency. He remembers with affection when he was serving as the Elders Quorum president and his wife was the Relief Society president that they held hands during ward correlation meetings. He and his wife Kristene served a church service mission for four years at the Bishop’s storehouse. He has served as a temple ordinance worker and is currently volunteering again at the Bishop’s storehouse. He and his wife served a site mission in Nauvoo Illinois and a Member leadership mission to Bermuda for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Kristene learned to love Snowflake soon after moving here. She remembers the warmth and kindness that were shown to her by the community members which made her feel at home. She was asked to sing with the Liberty Belles directed by Eugene Webb and to be a member of the Silver Creek Performing arts guild, serving as its president four times. She has served as a tour guide for the Heritage Foundation for many years and in various church callings including a church service mission at the Distribution Center. She served in the Scouting movement for over 20 years both on the unit and district level. She is currently serving as an ordinance worker in the Snowflake temple. They have 9 sons, 31 grandchildren and 1 adorable great grandchild. They remind each other often of the blessing it is to be living in such a peaceful, caring community surrounded by friends, family and loved ones.
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