Helen Irene Ballard

Helen I. Ballard, age 84, of Ogallala, NE, passed away, Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the Golden Ours Convalescent in Grant, NE.

Helen was born September 24, 1936 in Mullen, NE to Les and Opal (Phillips) Cotant. 

She went to school in Cody, NE where she graduated and then attended Chadron State college and obtained her teaching certificate so that she could teach in rural schools. 

On May 20, 1957 she was united in marriage to Ralph H. Ballard in Rapid City, SD. Later that year they would move to Ogallala where they would remain for the next 64 years. Their marriage resulted in three daughters, Colleen and twin girls Eileen and Christine. Later on they would welcome numerous grand and great-grandchildren. It was from this marriage that came Helen's favorite thing, her family. She was a dedicated mother and homemaker, taking pride in her family and her home. Along with enjoying time with her family and friends, she also enjoyed taking time for herself, enjoying reading and crocheting as well as taking trips to the casinos with her husband.

Helen would later in life take on a few other jobs, the most notable being at ASC, until her final job with her granddaughter, Amanda where she would enthusiastically greet and converse with the customers of the salon. She always remained first and foremost a loving family member. 

Helen is survived by her husband; Ralph Ballard, of Ogallala; three daughters; Colleen (Mike Leikam) Powers, Eileen (Mike) Schutte, and Christine Ballard, all of Ogallala; one brother, Leslie (Deb) Cotant, of Gordon, NE; six grandchildren; Steven (Lisa) Ballard, of Ogallala; Tonya Powers, of Omaha; Amanda (Craig) Canning, of Ogallala; Ashley (Justin) Osterbuhr, of Minden; Justin Schutte, of Omaha; Cassandra (Michael) Fresquez, of Ogallala; 15 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren with 3 more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Larry Joe Cotant, Lance Cotant and Arlene Dahlgrin.

A visitation will be held, Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. in the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala.

A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 21, 2021 at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala with Rev. Chuck Rager of the First United Methodist Church of Ogallala officiating. 

Interment will be held in the Ogallala Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in her memory for a later designation.

Online condolences may be left by signing the Guest Book at www.drauckerfuneralhome.com. The service will be live streamed. 

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.