William Ballou Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Westmoreland
William G. Ballou, 20, of Westmoreland passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 11, 2025.
He was born on December 1, 2004 in Syracuse, the son of William Ballou and Deborah Oakley and graduated from Westmoreland High School. Will was very motivated and furthered his education at Oneida-Madison BOCES in the Auto Technology program. He was employed as a manager with Burger King for the NYS Thruway Authority.
Will had a passion for the outdoors and from childhood, he and his father bow hunted for deer and took an annual Father's Day camping trip in Old Forge. They also went on an annual fishing trip with charter on Lake Ontario. He loved riding his motorcycle, hanging with his friends playing video games and poker.
Surviving are his parents, William "Frenchie" (Michelle O'Dell) Ballou and Deb (Scott Matteson) Oakley; grandmother's, Judy Ballou and Shirley Oakley; aunts, Lorie (Mike Haitian) Wood, Patty (Steve) Critelli and Donna Dekanek; uncle, Mark (Shelly) Oakley; several close cousins; feline companions, Sunshine, Stella and Peanut and best friends, Mason, Griffin, Anthony, Dylan, Jeremiah, Hannah, Cadyn, Sam and many more friends. He was predeceased by his grandfather's, Ernie Ballou and George Oakley.
Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 11 – 2 pm at Smith Funeral Home, 3022 Oneida St., Sauquoit. Family and friends will share memories at the conclusion of visitation.
Remembrances in Will's name may be made to the Humane Society of Rome, Inc., 6247 Lamphear Rd., Rome, NY 13440.
Online tributes at www.smith-funeralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debbie Tartaglia
July 27, 2025
Bill, I am so sorry for your loss. I can´t even imagine what you are going through. I remember you son as a little boy. He was the sweetest little boy ever. May God comfort you with His love and refill your heart with His peace. Blessings my friend.
Albert Doolen
July 19, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all!
Donna Dunn
July 18, 2025
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss.In the following weeks seek comfort from all of the great memories you have. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
How you can show support
Notify Me
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.
Kelley Wurz
July 16, 2025
Debbie, I am so sorry for this loss. I'm so sorry to your entire family to hear of this tragic event. I'm praying for you. Please know that no words can comfort any of you right now. I will be keeping you in my prayers and thoughts daily and I'm sending my sincere condolences. May God have welcomed him into the kingdom of God amen.
Carter and Ella McGregor
July 16, 2025
We are so sorry for the loss of our classmate William.He was a really nice kid.
Lydia DiNardo
July 16, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. William was a wonderful person throughout my time growing up along him. He was one of the first people I got along with when I came to Westmoreland, a good soul all around. Many good memories even if we were not close. He will be fondly remembered by many, I'm sure.
Laurie Cieply
July 15, 2025
Deb,
I'm so sorry to learn of William's passing. My heart is breaking for you.
Love, Laurie Cieply
Jan Roberts
July 15, 2025
Bill so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers and thoughts with you and your family
Elara (Erin) Wilder
July 15, 2025
Debbie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much William meant to you, and I can't imagine how awful this must be for you and your family. You have my deepest sympathies and I hope that you and yours will be able heal together.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
3022 Oneida Street, Sauquoit, NY 13456
Make a Donation
in William Ballou's name
How to support William'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 William Ballou'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
