Ballard, Walter Thomas, 92 of Clancy passed away March 23, 2019. He was born February 8, 1927, the last of eight children born to George Dudley and Lilly Belle (Gasteneau) Ballard at Whitehall, Montana. He graduated 8th grade at Eureka School and attended Whitehall High School until 10th grade.
He quit high school to help on the farm during the war milking 14 cows daily. Later moving to Oregon with his parents working canneries. Tom logged in the Bitteroot, and was a farm/ranch hand in the Bitteroot and Helena.
He married Margaret Ann Wolfenbarger May of 1949. To this marriage there were four children Sue Melle, Kirby Ballard, Kay Ballard and Peggy Ballard. She preceded him in death on July of 1972. In 1977 Tom married Sandra Hummel and they had one son Walter T. Ballard Jr.
Tom worked for Caird Engineering for 32 years as a machinist and later bought the Feedroll business and did inspections and repairs travelling extensively. For several years he built cabinets as a second business.
His interests included being a scout master, square dancing (where he met Sandy), fishing and hunting (over 50 consecutive years of hunting in the Ruby with family). He built black powder muzzle loading rifles and bullet molds, was a member of Bear Tooth Mountain Men, attended black powder shoots during the summer months, camping and golfing.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Mary Rachel “Mickey” Smith, Juanita Armstrong, Billy Wegner, Dudley Ballard, Jack Ballard, Forest Ballard; son Kirby Ballard, daughter Sue Melle, grandson Brandon Haas, and wife of 40 years Sandy Ballard.
Tom is survived by his daughters Kay Ballard (Jim Mallard), Peggy Ballard and son Tom (Holly) Ballard and his sister Gussie Smith. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
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From the Butte SO Annex and Butte Ranger District says
From the Butte SO Annex and Butte Ranger District purchased the Country Basket Blooms for the family of Walter Thomas Ballard.
Cathy Ireland says
Kay,
I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. My fondest memory is when Peggy and I went to Canada with him, us goofy teenagers. I’m sure we drove him crazy.
I have been trying to call Peggy to let her know that I have disconnect my home phone and i can’t reach her. I need to know she’s is ok. It’s been since the end of May that I have talked to her. I know she doesn’t have long distance so she can’t call me.
Can you let me know? 210-331-4971 Cathy Christian Ireland.
I hope you get this
Thank you