Donna (Dynamo) Kay Ballard
November 19, 1963 – December 22, 2022
A special angel earned her wings on December 22, 2022, in Helena, Montana at 8:36 AM due to heart failure. She was 59.
Donna was born a military brat in Biloxi, Mississippi, seeing Germany, Japan, Rome, and many more exotic places. As a young adult, she found her way to Montana and married Billy Harris, with whom she had two boys, Timmy and Shylo. They later divorced but kept a great friendship throughout the rest of her life.
She then met the love of her life in 1999, Steve Ballard. Along with this marriage came two children, Krissina and Dallas. They moved to Washington to start over together and make new memories. She loved crabbing, seashells, and long romantic walks on the beach.
Donna and Steve moved back to Montana, finally calling this her home. She hunted, camped, and fished anywhere and everywhere, and loved gardening. And boy, could she cook!!! Donna loved the outdoors to the fullest.
Donna and Steve were on their way to being settled as parents and grandparents. They adopted Donna’s grandson Scotty, so the whole gang is: Timmy, Shylo, Scotty, Krissina, and Dallas.
Also in Donna’s family were those she adopted: Nannette Hicks, Rennay Jennings, Tina Milam, and Jeanice Osborne; AKA The Valley Girls. Finally, don’t forget the most spoiled four-legged babies ever, Koda and L.S. (Li’l Sh**).
Donna accepted Jesus into her heart after she found out she had cancer and scleroderma in 2006. While visiting the Johns Hopkins Medical Center for treatment in Baltimore, the doctors discovered that she had very unique blood that fought the scleroderma – they are still running experiments on, and tests with, the blood to this day to try to help others. During this trip, Donna met Ray Rice, a player from her favorite NFL team, The Baltimore Ravens.
Steve showed his love by bringing home heart-shaped rocks from all the jobs that he worked, and Donna kept them all and loved the gesture with all her heart. It made her smile every day.
She was preceded in death by:
Her mother-in-law Roberta (Bobi) Ballard, her sister Dedra (Dee Dee) Rowe, her sister Kathy Vollan, and her beloved fur-baby Serade.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Ballard; parents, Cliff and Betty Dulcich; mother-in-law, Lois (Rod) Gwaltney; father-in-law, Al (Cheryle) Ballard; sister, Karen Wynant; sister-in-law, Marci (Bill) Gohn; sister-in-law, Toni Ballard; brother-in-law, Chancy Ballard; children, Timmy (Megan) Harris, Shiloh Harris, Scotty Harris, Krissina (Eric) Ballard, Dallas Ballard; grandchildren, Jax Harris, Jason Ballard, Asher Ballard, Remi Prado, Romeo Prado; and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service at the VFW at 1pm on Saturday, January 7th, 2023, with a celebration following at the same location (downstairs) at 2pm, 113 W Main St East Helena, MT 59635.
We would like to give a special thanks to Nanette Hicks and crew for setting up everything, and to Pastor Jeff Richards at the Four-Square church for the services.
Unfortunately, Donna didn’t have any life insurance. If you’d care to donate to help cover expenses, there is a Link to donate at Angellink.com. Thanks to Renae Jennings and Kassandra Hilliard for organizing this.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Saturday January 7, 2023
VFW Post 10010
113 W Main St
East Helena, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Saturday January 7, 2023
VFW Post 10010
113 W Main St
East Helena, MT
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Memories
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Clancy & Sue Sizemore says
Donna & Donna were the very twinkle in each others eyes. Steve – we believe the memories the 2 of you made together will continue to be the twinkle in your eyes, Donna wouldn’t want anything less for you.
Donna had such a huge heart for people- she didn’t even have to know them personally, if she heard some one was sick, was in an accident or whatever you could instantly see in her eyes her concern for whoever or whatever the situation. Always asking if there was anything she could do.
Donna absolutely loved to give Clancy crap, it made both of their days.
Sitting in Steve’s shop being for hours while Steve & Clancy we’re coming up with ideas on trucks or whatever was a good time. She was someone you could easily sit and talk to for hours and not even realize it had been 4 or 5 hours gone by.
She never let us leave & she never left with out a big hug & a smooch on our cheeks until now.
You can rest now Donna- we know you will be a great angel in heaven because you were such a great one on earth. I’m sure your hallow will now be the Brightest Star in the Sky.
You will be forever in our 💕 hearts.
Steve- whatever you need- we will always be just a phone call & 30 minutes away! Hang onto your great memories you have, your family & friends- we’ve all got you buddy. Donna definitely would want you to keep being the awesome person you are. We love you💕💕💕
Clancy & Sue
Steve Lyczewski says
Linda and I were saddened when Bob told us that Donna had passed. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Tina Longmire says
Steve, so sorry to learn of Donna’s passing. I have great memories of camping with you guys and Rick absolutely loved her banana pudding. It was the one request he made for his summer party. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Krissina Ballard says
Mama D-
We are so heartbroken over your loss. I’m so thankful for your bright light in all of our lives. I have so many memories that I hold near and dear to my heart. Westport crab feasts, boating to an island and having a drink in a driftwood cabin, warm Yellowstone rivers, 4x4ing up a mountain top to pick sage…meeting your grandson and giving him deer jerky for teething. I love you, Thank you for finding my dad, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my family. Thank you for just being YOU.
We love you, Krissi, Eric, Remi & Romi