Lorene Clestin Ballard

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Lorene Clestin Ballard, age 67, of Thackerville, Oklahoma, who departed this life on Monday, October 7, 2024. A funeral service honoring her life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Eric Bayer officiating. Interment will follow at Leon Cemetery.

Lorene was born on January 13, 1957, in Wilson, Oklahoma, to the late Herbert C. Gay and Edith M. (Madewell) Gay. Raised in Leon, she attended school in Turner before pursuing higher education at Murray State College, where she earned her Associate’s degree, and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from East Central University.

In 1974, Lorene married Ernest Ballard, Sr., and together they raised three beloved children: Leonard, Shawna, and Glenda. After the passing of her soulmate, Warren Hedger, on February 20, 1999, Lorene continued to cherish her family. Her career at the Department of Human Services primarily focused on child welfare and family support in Love County, where she dedicated over 20 years before retiring.

A woman of diverse interests, Lorene found great joy in gardening, savoring coffee, sewing, and watching Hallmark movies. Above all, family was central to her life, especially during cherished gatherings around Thanksgiving.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Ernest and Warren, siblings Troy, Lyman, Lloyd, and Alvin Gay, Ella Mae Thomason, and two infant brothers; as well as her step-grandson, Skylar, and son-in-law, Robert Pillow.

She is survived by her loving children: Leonard Ballard and wife Katelyn, Shawna Ballard, and Glenda McKenzie and husband Chad; step children, Ernest Ballard, Jr. And wife Carolyn, Kenneth Ballard and husband Charles, and Jackie Lange and husband Matt; her siblings: H.D. Gay, Doreen Romines, Roy Gay, and Faye Burton and husband Tommy; in addition to ten grandchildren, Michael Carango, Jakota Ballard and wife Alessia, Jadyn Bridenstine and husband Braelan, Dylan Ballard and wife Presley, Zoe Ballard, Kieran Ballard, Meighan Ballard, Aidan Ballard, Donovan Ballard, and Ernest Ballard; eight step-grandchildren, two great grandchildren (with one on the way), three step-great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.

Pallbearers are Jakota Ballard, Dylan Ballard, Kieran Ballard, Aidan Ballard, Chad McKenzie, and Braelan Bridenstine. Honorary bearers include Donovan Ballard, Ernest “Ernie” Ballard, and Gunner Bridenstine.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.alexandergrayfh.com.

Lorene’s warmth, compassion, and dedication will be deeply missed by all who knew her.