Ralph H Ballard

Ralph Henry Ballard, 88, of Ogallala, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021 at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant, NE.

He was born on August 22, 1933 to Harold and Hulda (Faller) Ballard in Albany, NE. He would attend School District 83 before moving on to graduate from Gordon High School as part of the Class of 1950.

Following school Ralph joined Northwestern Bell Telephone Company where he worked out of Rapid City, South Dakota in the Chadron and Black Hills areas until he was drafted into the Armed Forces serving our country for the next two years. Following his service, he returned to work for Northwestern Bell.

In January of 1957 he would move to North Platte, NE and soon after would marry Helen Cotant in Rapid City, SD on May 20, 1957. The couple would move to Ogallala, NE in August of 1957, remaining there the rest of their lives. Their marriage resulted in 3 daughters, Colleen and twins Eileen and Christine, and later many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Ralph would continue to work for Northwestern Bell in the Ogallala area as an installer repairman until retiring at the age of 51 on Nov 30, 1984 after over 33 years of service to the company.

After retirement Ralph was always busy working around the house or taking time to enjoy his retirement. Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling throughout his life, spending much time doing both with his family. He also enjoyed catching the occasional nature and sports programs, especially his Husker football.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Helen, of over 60 years in May 2021; his parents Harold and Hulda; his brothers Melvin and Howard Ballard and sisters Loraine and Irene; and great-great granddaughter Hadley.

Survivors include his daughters; Colleen (Mike Leikam) Powers, Eileen (Mike) Schutte, and Christine Ballard, all of Ogallala; siblings Gladys Johnson of Hay Springs, and Elouise Schwarting and Richard Ballard both of Gordon; 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, and 6 great-great grandchildren with 1 more on the way.
Visitation will be from 9:00am to 5:00 pm on Thursday, Oct. 21 with family greeting friends at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be at 10:00am Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel with Father Bryan Ernst of St Luke's Catholic Church officiating.   

Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Online condolences can be given at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the "Share a Memory" button.

Services will be live streamed at drauckerfh.com and then later posted to the website.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala has been entrusted with arrangements.

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