Lois E. (Peterson) Ballard, 74, passed away Aug. 13, 2024 in Plattsburgh, NY with her husband, David Ballard, and family by her side after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Lois was born Nov. 10, 1949 in Lexington, NE to Helene Nelson and Rev. Royal Peterson, a Lutheran minister. Her early childhood was spent living in parsonages in Bertrand and Oakland. She loved books, acting, dancing, music and art. Her family spent vacations traveling the western U.S. in the trailer her father built. They lived in Omaha, NE during her middle school years, then moved to Broken Bow.
Lois loved singing in the high school choir, acting in school productions, and playing flute in the band, where she met her future husband, Dave. A standout student, Lois was a National Honor Society member and editor of the school paper. She was selected to represent Broken Bow at the 1967 session of Cornhusker Girls State.
She graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1968, and received a Lincoln Journal-Star scholarship toward attending the University of Nebraska- Lincoln (UNL) to major in journalism. That summer she worked at the Custer County Chief in both the news and advertising departments. The following year, Lois spent the summer working at Glacier National Park in Montana.
Lois and Dave were married October 11, 1969 at Frieden’s Lutheran Church in Lincoln by her father, Reverend Peterson. Her maid of honor was Cathy Smith; his best man was Tom Cunningham, both of Broken Bow.
In 1970, Dave graduated from UNL and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Shawn, born in Lincoln, where they lived close to family and friends while Dave began duty on the missile frigate USS Harry E. Yarnell. They moved to Newport, RI for the remainder of his tour, returned to Nebraska for a short time, then relocated to Calais, ME. Dave joined U.S. Customs as an Inspector. Lois was a Girl Scout troop leader and busy dance parent to Shawn. In 1976, their second daughter, Shannon, was born.
Dave’s career with Customs took them next to Rouses Point, NY in 1979, where Lois taught piano lessons from their home. When the girls were old enough, Lois resumed her college studies at the State University of New York- Plattsburgh and graduated summa cum laude in 1983.
In 1986, Dave was promoted to Customs headquarters in Washington, D.C. The family moved to Sterling, VA, and Lois landed a teaching job at nearby *Lincoln* (coincidence) Elementary School. Shawn attended the University of Virginia from 1988 until graduating in 1992, and the family made frequent road trips back to Nebraska.
In 1992, Dave took a management position back on the border in northern New York. This time they settled outside Peru, NY. Dave commuted daily to the border and Lois described herself as the “home base support staff.” While Shannon attended college at James Madison University from 1994 until graduating in 1998, Lois and Dave adjusted to an empty nest. They had more time to pursue outdoor interests: hiking, canoeing, fishing, and gardening. In October 1994 they celebrated their 25th anniversary with a trip to Maine.
In 1998, at the age of 48, Lois was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. For many years, life continued with seemingly little disruption. She leaned into her art and music as therapy, and immersed herself in a nationwide Creativity & Parkinson’s Project through the Plattsburgh support group in 2009. Lois’ strength and determination were supplemented by the efforts of neurologists, the support of wonderful friends, and the dedication of her care partner, Dave. Thanks to his devoted efforts combined with help from Lois’ daughters and respite caregivers, she was able to live at home until the very last week of this life.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, in Lincoln; her sister Miriam Dyson of Omaha; brother James Peterson of Tacoma, WA; and sister-in-law Merry Ann Franck of New Braunfels, TX.
Lois is survived by her husband, David Ballard; her daughters, Shawn Bibeau (m. Duane) and Shannon Gorman (m. Matt); grandsons Devan, 19, and Shamus Bibeau, 16; granddaughters Cassidy, 15, and Caralyn Gorman, 11; niece Sara Donaldson of Lincoln and nephew John Dyson (m. Melissa); nephews Ted (m. Adrian) and Terry Peterson (m. Jonna); brother-in-law Raymond “Chip” Franck; niece Gretchen Franck and nephew Matt Franck (m. Lisa); and many cousins and dear friends.
A memorial gathering is planned for September 21, 2024 at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru, NY. If you wish to make a memorial gift in Lois’ honor, please consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
