Lois Wiser Ballard

Lois Wiser Ballard peacefully returned to her loving Heavenly Father from her home in Benson, Utah on November 25, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born on June 2, 1931, in her family home in Lewiston, Utah. She was the seventh child of Myron Cunningham and Zelma Smith Wiser. She has one older sister, Edna who passed away at 18 months and five older brothers who are Philip Wiser (Marion), Lyman Wiser (Ramona), Wallace Wiser (Beatrice), Theron Wiser (Fern & Katherine), and Lawrence Wiser (Billie Lou), who have all preceded her in death.

When Lois was in the third grade, she started living full time at her grandmother Mary Jane Telford Smith’s home, who was getting elderly, and needed assistance. She lived with her for four years.

Lois attended Elementary School and Junior High in Lewiston, Utah. She attended North Cache High School in Richmond, and then did a year at BYU in Provo, Utah, followed by a year at Utah State in Logan. It was at Utah State where she met her eternal companion, Robert MelRoy Ballard. He proposed after two weeks of dating, but it took a little more time for her to be convinced. They were married in the Logan Temple on September 28, 1951, and sealed by the Temple President ElRay L. Christiansen.

They made their home in Benson, Utah, where MelRoy was a farmer on the family farm and a professional photographer. Lois was a homemaker and mother. Her first priority was always to serve, love, and take care of her family. Children were a blessing to them and Lois delighted in the antics of her young family as they explored and played. They were blessed with five children Troy (Mara); Jeffrey (Trudy); Jennifer Perkes (Ken); Pamela Tew (Ryan); and Robert (GayLynn).

MelRoy and Lois lived by the motto “work hard and play hard” and these lessons they have passed down to their children. Lois helped with the farming duties and was MelRoy’s true partner. She was always ready to throw a picnic together for evenings on the Bear River boating and water skiing. She loved snowmobiling in the beautiful Cache Valley mountains with MelRoy and many other adventures traveling to Yellowstone, Bear Lake, Lake Powell, Hawaii, and various cruises.

Lois served faithfully and tirelessly in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lived a life of dedicated service and consecration. She loved singing and sang in many choirs. The Gospel meant everything to MelRoy and Lois and they were blessed to serve in the Washington, Seattle mission from October 5, 1988, to March 29, 1989.

Lois was a loving and delightful Grandmother. All 23 grandchildren and 60 great grandchildren loved to gather at Grandma Lois’s knowing there would be ice cream treats or goodies. It was always an adventure to go Grandma Lois’s and play on the farm. Each felt special and loved being in her presence.

Lois turned outward with a full and tender heart for all those around her. She helped her children and husband fulfill their dreams and always looked on the positive side of things. She opened her heart, home, and kitchen to anyone that needed her. She always saw the good in everyone and focused on their strengths.

Funeral services will be held at the Benson First Ward chapel 3472 N 3000 W on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 9:30–10:30 prior to the funeral service. An additional viewing will be held Thursday evening at the Benson First Ward chapel from 6-8 p.m. Lois will be laid to rest at the Logan City Cemetery. The family is deeply grateful for the tender love and care given by Vickie Spillett, Dana Wylie, and Sunshine Hospice staff who lovingly cared for Lois in her home. Without their kindness and care, Lois would not have been able to realize her and MelRoy’s wish to stay home until her passing.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com. 

TO VIEW LOIS'S FUNERAL SERVICE LIVE PLEASE CLICK HERE

*Disclaimer: If for some reason the livestream of the Funeral Service does not work we will record the service and upload the video at a later date.*