Dorothy M. Ballard

Funeral service for Dorothy M. Ballard, 82, of Lawton will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.

Mrs. Ballard passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at her home in Lawton.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Dorothy Ballard was born Dorothy Marguerite Watson on December 31, 1941 to two migrant workers, Thomas and Leona Watson in Medford, Oregon. Her childhood was well traveled through the West Coast, but she ended up in Yakima, Washington in 1956. In 1957, she married Army Sgt William Ballard of West Virginia. Her young adult life was spent as a military wife and mom. William and Dorothy had 8 kids all over the United States and even had one in Germany. Dorothy loved her family and most of her time was devoted to them but when she had free time it was spent gardening, taking care of her beloved dogs, or cooking and baking the delicious food her family loved. 

She is survived by her sister, Patricia and husband Marion Barton; five living children, Dollie and Ivan Martinez, Jerry and Beverly, Regina, Christopher, and Patrick and Angela Ballard; her seven living grandchildren, Atim Oli-Edger, Stephanie Ryals, Nadia Miller, Nicholas, Brendan, Christian, and Monica Ballard; and her 10 great grandchildren! In addition she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren's spouses. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved  husband, William Ballard; three sons, Richard, William "Billy" and James "Jme" Ballard; and two grandsons, Steven Ballard and Richard Miller, Jr. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 1-800-272-3900 or you can send them by mail to 225 N. Michigan Ave. 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601 and put Attention: Donor Services Alzheimer's Association in memory of Dorothy Ballard, Lawton, Oklahoma.