Dale Russell “Russ” Ballard, known to his parents and sister as “Butch,” was born August 9, 1944, in Douglas, WY, to Dale and Wilma (Nunn) Ballard. He was raised in the shadow of Laramie Peak in the small village of Esterbrook, WY. His childhood was spent among the tall pines hunting, fishing, skiing and ice skating. His parents operated the Rustic Inn Lodge and the post office, where he helped by serving customers and doing chores. When Russ was 8 years old, his family welcomed his little sister, Marilyn Sue Ballard. His mother’s family operated the Nunn Ranch near Douglas, WY, where he enjoyed working alongside his cousins and uncle - solidifying his love of all things ranching at an early age.

Russ attended grade school at the rural schools in the Esterbrook area where his mother taught. He later attended and graduated from Douglas High School in 1962, after the family had moved into town. He earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education at Chadron State College in Chadron, NE. He began teaching Industrial Arts at Custer High School in 1968, where he taught for 12 years.

Russ married Gloria Schaeffer in June of 1964. To this union two daughters were born – Donna in 1970 and Diane in 1972. Russ and Gloria both taught school in Custer and started the Southern Hills Saw and Cycle business, in Custer. Russ was active in competitive shooting sports, reloading and enduro motorcycle racing during these years. He was instrumental in organizing many of the enduro racing events in the Custer area at that time. Russ and Gloria divorced in 1974.

Russ married Ellen Louise Diekhoff, June 30, 1974. They celebrated 50 years of marriage just prior to Ellen’s death on October 14, 2024. Together they taught high school in Custer and worked hard establishing many successful businesses: Ballard Trucking, Ballard Logging, and Ballard Ranch. They also played hard, enjoying team roping, snowmobiling/dirt biking, horse trail riding backcountry in the Black Hills, Montana and Wyoming, woodworking and leathercraft. Russ was a master welder and fabricator, which came in handy for building and improving equipment for his many ventures. As a woodworking, metal shop and mechanical drawing teacher, Russ was known for his dedication to detail and as a true craftsman by many.

After retiring from teaching, then trucking, then logging – Russ went back to his roots of ranching – his dream job and one he would never retire from. In 1997 he and Ellen purchased the Dugan Ranch near Buffalo Gap, SD, where they raised premium angus beef. They would live out their days on the ranch baling hay, managing grazing, improving water, irrigating alfalfa, cursing prairie dogs and basically enjoying every moment! Highlights included neighborhood brandings, tours and teaching visitors about ranch life and experiencing the wonders of nature around them.

Russ is survived by his daughters Donna (Russell) Crowe, Mustang, OK, and Diane (Yiannis) Josephakis, Dallas, TX; stepson Sean Brown, Montrose, CO; and honorary son Tim (Jenny) Behlings, Custer, SD; grandsons Ryan, Devin and Brennen Crowe of Mustang, OK; honorary grandsons Russell (Tessah) Behlings with daughters Ellen and Alice; and Joshua (Courtney) Behlings of Custer; best friend and devoted caregiver Darwin Amiotte of Buffalo Gap; and constant ranch companion Zorro.

Russ is proceeded in death by his wife Ellen Ballard; parents, Dale and Wilma Ballard; sister Marilyn “Sue” Ballard/Cook; and best dog ever, Bud.

A Meal and Memories Gathering is being planned in honor of Russ at the Buffalo Gap Community Hall later this spring.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, SD.