Robert S. Ballard

Robert S. Ballard
     Robert S. Ballard, 86, a resident of Shoshone, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 23, 2012 at his home in Shoshone.
     Robert was born in Dietrich, Idaho November 15, 1925 to Frank Stephan and Caroline Mathis Ballard.  He married Arlene Kerner on December 15, 1956 at the Gooding United Methodist Church in Gooding, Idaho.
     Robert graduated from Dietrich High School in 1944, and served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, on the USS Cortland in the Pacific Theater as Seaman First Class.  He received the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.  He was honorably discharged on March 2, 1946.
     Robert worked for 46 years for the American Falls Canal Company as a maintenance supervisor.
     Robert was a true sportsman; he loved fishing and hunting and had first hand knowledge of the best trout streams in the Magic Valley.  His greatest joy was his garden.  He spent hours working in the garden and enjoyed giving away vegetables to his friends.
     Robert was also a faithful member of the Shoshone United Methodist Church for 55 years.
     Robert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Arlene Ballard, of Shoshone, Idaho; 1 son, Ralph (Monica) Ballard, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and 3 granddaughters; Mary, Rita, and Vera Ballard.  Also surviving Robert are 2 sisters; Reta Conner, of Tucson, Arizona, and Esther Galloway, of Fallbrook, California.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, and 1 sister.
     The family wishes to thank their dearest friend Carmen Steele for her help and loving care for Robert.  The family also wishes to thank Hospice Visions, Dr. John Gies, and the staff of Associates in Family Practice for their care, compassion, kindness, and love showed to Robert during his illness.
     The family requests memorial donations in Robert’s name be made to the Shoshone United Methodist Church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
     Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 28, 2012 at Demaray Funeral Service – Shoshone Chapel.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, June 29, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, 205 5th Ave. E. in Shoshone, with Pastor Jeffrey Rickman of the Shoshone United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will follow at the Shoshone Cemetery.
     Arrangements are under the direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Shoshone Chapel.

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