Michael Loren Ballard
Michael Loren Ballard
Obituary
Guest Book
Michael Ballard Obituary
Michael was born on September 30, 1992, in Centralia, the son of Charles C. Jr. and Mary (Albert) Ballard.
Survivors include his mother, Mary "Susie" Austin and step-father, Jeff Austin of Salem; son, Ryder Lyons; daughter, Payton Ballard; brothers, Eric Ballard and fiancé Lesley Wilson and Joshua Ballard and wife Katie; nephew, Chance Ballard; nieces, Hope Ballard and Ally Kay Ballard; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, including one special cousin Dale K. Albert Jr. who was like a brother to him, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles C. Ballard Jr.; paternal grandparents, Charles Ballard Sr. and Shirley Brown; and maternal grandparents, Loren and Emogene Albert.
Michael enjoyed life, he loved fishing, hunting and building and running demolition derby cars with his brothers and nephew. He enjoyed spending time with his son and daughter taking them on motorcycle rides or sitting by a pond. He enjoyed spending time with his club brothers and riding the open road. He loved to tease, joke and torment. Michael was employed as a welder fabricator for American Equipment and Machine. To know him was to love him.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Martin Cemetery in Alma with Roger Lipe officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the family, with checks made payable to Mary Austin and can be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
403 S. Broadway, Salem, IL 62881
Make a Donation
in Michael Ballard's name
People and places connected with Michael
Recent Obituaries
How to support Michael's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Ballard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
