Earldean Ballard

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Earldean Ballard, age 86 of Miami OK, passed away on January 12, 2024, in Idabel, OK surrounded by family.

She was born April 18, 1937, in Miami, OK to Earl and Golda Grigsby. After graduating from Miami High School with the class of 1955, she went on to study Pre-med at Northeaster A&M College. 

She married Joe Roger Ballard on June 19, 1957. They had 3 children: Roger Ballard of Weatherford TX, Richard Ballard of Joplin Mo, and Rhonda Ballard, who cared for her in her home. 

Earldean worked her entire career as a medical technologist at various hospitals in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. After she retired, she went to work for Madill Public Schools as a substitute teacher. Her first love was Jesus Christ whom she served faithfully her whole life in multiple Baptist Churches. She enjoyed Reading, Crocheting and fellowship with family and friends. She was an active member of her community serving in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, The American Legion and VFW ladies auxiliary,, HCE, Relay for Life and volunteered at Miami OK Integris Hospital.

Earldean was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, brothers, George and Jerry Grigsby, sisters Dona Grigsby and Veda Holt, and her brother-in-law, Don Diveley.

She is survived by her three children, Roger Ballard of Weatherford Tx, Richard Ballard and companion Lisa Mustain of Joplin Mo, and Rhonda Ballard, of Miami, OK sisters, Golda Kay Grigsby Young and husband Gary of Shreveport LA, Bessie Diveley of Miami OK, Sister-in-law Loreen Gibbons of San Juan Bautista, CA brother-in-law Jerry Holt of Kiowa Ks, four grandchildren Jay Keehn and wife Annie of Shawnee, OK, RhaShonda Hurleybell of Phoenix, Az, Chris Denison and Wife Jessica of Valliant, OK, William Ballard of Broken Bow, OK and six great grandchildren, Wesley, Colt, Alex, Caleb, Triston, and Raven as well as many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please send donations any cause for Christ that you choose. Funeral services under the direction of Paul Thomas Funeral Home Miami OK She will be inurned in the Garden of Hope at GAR cemetery in Miami, OK. Family and friends will be invited to celebrate her life at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.