Ellen Louise Ballard, 78, of Buffalo Gap passed away October 14, 2024, at Custer Care & Rehab Center in Custer, SD.

Ellen was born Oct. 25, 1945, in Baltimore, MD, to parents Kenneth and Florence (Zaboski) Diekhoff, who were stationed there during WWII, as Ellen's father worked for the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company. In 1946, the family of three traded stamps for gas to move back to Kenneth's home state of South Dakota. The family settled in Wessington, where they farmed and ranched, living in a home without running water, electricity and indoor plumbing. In 1952, sister Becky joined the family.

Education was important to Ellen's parents, and they wanted to make sure she went to an accredited school. So, Ellen attended Huron High School, staying with friends Clint and Alice Hanson during the school week, and then coming home on the weekends to help on the farm. Ellen went on to attend South Dakota State University, where she got her teaching degree. She went on to get her Master's through SDSU in language and newspaper publishing.

While she was a senior at SDSU, Ellen struck up a great friendship with Dorthea Edgington, who invited Ellen out to the Black Hills to assist with the horse rides at Rafter JBar Ranch. She fell in love with the Black Hills.

Ellen's first teaching job was in Madison, MN. But after assisting with the horse rides, Ellen knew she wanted to live and work in the Hills. She taught two years at Rapid City Central High School, before switching to Custer High School, where she taught English for 36 years. In addition to teaching, Ellen was a farrier, teaching many local farriers the trade and art of the business.

Ellen met and married her husband, (Dale) Russell Ballard, June 30, 1974. They celebrated 50 years of marriage this year. In addition to being teachers – Russ taught industrial arts for 12 years at Custer High School – the two owned and operated several businesses, including: a saw shop,  trucking business, and Ballard Logging. But for the last 24 years, they have operated Ballard Ranch near Buffalo Gap, SD.

Ellen was known for her years of teaching the youth of Custer County, helping her neighbors, and a strong political view. You could also always count on Ellen to cook a delicious meal to be served after brandings.

Ellen is survived by her husband of 50 years, Russ; son, Sean Brown of Montrose, CO; granddaughters, Kathryn Brown of Okayama, Japan and Larissa Brown and great grandchildren: Kaleb, Reyna & Viv of Gilbert, AZ; step-daughters, Diane (Yiannis) Josephakis of Dallas, TX, and Donna (Russell) Crowe and step-grandsons Ryan, Devin & Brennen of Mustang, OK; sister, Becky (Rich) Nelson of Miller, SD; niece, Jennifer (Dylan) Templeton and great nephews, Dayken & Davin Nelson of Miller, SD; Aunt & Uncle, Bern & Elsie Zaboski of Browns Valley, CA; as well as many special pets, and numerous friends, neighbors and students.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Florence Diekhoff and granddaughter Samantha Brown.

Friends are invited to join in a Meal and Memories Gathering in honor of Ellen at Noon on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the Buffalo Gap Community Hall. A meal will be provided along with social time to share stories and memories.  The Community Hall is located at the corner of Main and 3rd Street in Buffalo Gap, SD.

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