Loretta Wilson Leeper of Fancy Farm and Lyndal Thompson of Bardwell announce the engagement of their daughter, Marilla Beth Thompson, to Taylor Riley Ballard, son of Paul and Jackie Crider Ballard of Milburn.

Miss Thompson is the granddaughter of Teresine Thompson of Bardwell and the late Lloyd Thompson, and the late Connie and Agnes Wilson. She is a 2007 graduate of Carlisle County High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011 from Murray State University, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in the speech and language department.

Mr. Ballard is the grandson of Jean Ballard of Mayfield and the late Thomas O. Ballard Jr., and the late Clois and Genelle Crider. He is a 2007 graduate of Carlisle County High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011 from Murray State University. He is employed by the McCracken County Board of Education.

Wedding vows will be exchanged Dec. 19 at Chapel de la Paz in Riviera Maya, Mexico.