Ryan Taylor Ballou

Ryan Taylor Ballou, age 37, of Ben Avon, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025;

Beloved son of Ty and the late Margaret "Peg" Ballou; Brother of Merett (Rob) Southall,

Ally Ballou and Ryder Ballou; uncle of Robert, Evelyn, Kai and Trey.

Ryan Taylor Ballou was born on Monday May 18, 1987. His father Ty and mother Peg took him

home to a beautiful house outside of Chicago in Glen Elynn, IL where he got to meet his older

sister Merett.

There are not enough words or days on the calendar to describe the life

and gift Ryan gave to his family and others. Ryan was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular

Dystrophy at age 5. This diagnosis became his cloak, his armor, his path to inspire not only his

family but every single person he touched in his remarkable and too short life. Ryan’s strength

and courage defined him. Through his willingness to assist in medical studies aimed at

extending the life of those afflicted by DMD, he was able to leave behind a legacy which will

better the lives of thousands. Millions of dollars have been raised because of Ryan’s passion for

life and his desire to help others. His spirit, his love of life, his joy, his simple kind nature made

everyone he touched better.

Ryan had three tattoos, each of which represented a profound piece of who he was. The first

was a dedication to his mother, Margaret. The second was theBallouSkies

Charity logo, an organization he co-founded to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy research. The

third was the simplest of the three, but perhaps the one that truly captured his essence: NO FEAR.

Ryan gave and expected nothing back in return. His lungs finally failed him at age 37, but his

heart lives on through the family and friends who were lucky enough to know him and love him.

Donations to the Ryan T. Ballou Memorial Fund can be made here:

gofund.me/c735f5c1

Celebration of Life for Ryan

Please join us in remembering Ryan on what would have been his birthday. A

Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 18th, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at:

Café Notte

8070 Ohio River Blvd

Pittsburgh, PA 15202