Gwen Ballard

Gwen Oyler Ballard passed quietly on April 24, 2018 in the Barrett Hospital in Dillon, MT holding her husband Mariner’s hand of 72 years. Gwen was born on October 3, 1926 in Tremonton, UT to Leo and Lodi Oyler. Gwen grew up in East Garland, Utah where she attended school. She graduated from Bear River High School in 1945. On June 1, 1945 she married Mariner Ballard in East Garland. It was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. Dad decided he wanted to move to Montana. When Mom got here, she thought It was the end of the world, but quickly fell in love. She helped Dad farm and ranch for 61 years cooking many meals for hired hands. When one meal was done she was busy planning the next one. Gwen was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She held many Church callings – her favorite was a Primary Chorister and she did this for many, many years. She loved going up to the Big Hole where they ranched and entertained for years … it was the grand kids favorite spot in all the world. She was touched by all those who came in contact with her. She will be greatly missed. She was known to many simply as Grandma Gwen. She is preceded in death by her brothers Vern, Reid and Thayne Oyler, her sisters – Rita Holdaway and Leone Hatch. She is survived by her children – Mike (Rebecca) of Riverton, UT; Lyn (DeeAnn) of Orem, UT; Sheila (Richard) Byington of Idaho Falls, ID and Patricia Ballard of Syracuse, UT. She had 14 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. We would like to thank all the nurses and doctors at Barrett Hospital and Pioneer Rehabilitation. She spoke very highly of you all – thank you for making her feel special.