Marion ‘Ed’ Ballard

In loving memory of Marion “Ed” Edmond Ballard who died at home after a long illness on May 31, 2011.

He was born to Alice and Green Ballard in Ben Wheeler, Texas on Feb. 5, 1922. He married Viola Smith on Sept. 6, 1941, a marriage that lasted 69 years. Ed grew up working on the family farms and after marriage, he and Viola worked on various farms and then followed and worked fruit harvests from California on to Washington. In the late forties they settled in Oroville to raise their family. Ed managed a couple of orchards before going into the construction trade. Some of the large construction projects he worked on include Grand Coulee Dam’s third powerhouse, Chief Joe Dam expansion, Biles Coleman Plywood plant and several schools in the area.

Ed was a passionate hunter and fisherman. It is doubtful anyone has caught more mackinaw from Bonaparte Lake than he and Viola have. He enjoyed trap shooting for many years. Together they traveled most of the U.S. states and western Canada in their motorhomes over the last 25 years.

Ed was the youngest and last of the eight children. He also was preceded in death by his parents; their son, Ray and daughters Edna and Rose and one great grandson.

He is survived by his wife; their daughter, Alice (Joe) Gregg of Marysville and son, Marion Ballard of Okanogan. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks go to his niece and nephew, Mary and Richard Ellis for their assistance this past difficult year.

Graveside services for Ed Ballard, 89, will be held Saturday, June 25, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery.

Bergh Funeral Home, Oroville, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.