M. Russell Ballard is a current member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Image:M Russell Ballard.jpg Melvin Russell Ballard was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 8, 1928. He was the only boy in his family and had three sisters. In 1948 he was called to serve a mission to England. While there, he served as a counselor in the mission presidency. He was honorably released in 1950 and returned to Utah. Not long after his return, he met Barbara Bowen at a dance held at the University of Utah. They dated for eleven months. Elder Ballard said of their courtship, She was not only beautiful, but had a sparkling personality. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to marry her, but she didn’t share the same feelings. It was a little hard convincing her. I kid her now that getting her to