Pauls Valley, Oklahoma — Ouida Merle Ballard, 86, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, departed this earthly life to join her Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Her strong love for family always drew her loved ones together for all occasions. The special effort they made to return her wonderful love for them was a blessing for all of her friends in Pauls Valley to witness; for example, the beautiful manner in which they decorated the Ballard house every Christmas.

The devoted hours she spent with husband Johnny (her sweet BB) at Ballard’s Drive-In, adding her special touch along with his to spoil all of their customers, filled her days. They were a great team always there with hugs and concern for all the customers. The hours were long but joyous times for the Ballards.

They were also a great dance team. They loved Big Band music. The couple met on the dance floor in Ballinger, Texas at a USO dance in 1944 when Johnny was in flight training during World War II.

Ouida raised all her five children, their children and their children along side of raising Johnny. These tasks brought her the most pleasurable moments of her life. She considered it her job to make everyone’s particular favorite dish. She had the ablility to make each of her children feel as if they were “her favorite.”

She was an avid sports fan in her recliner or in the stands. Her Pauls Valley Panthers, her Texas Longhorns, her Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys and her OKC Thunder were cheered on when needed with her standing in front of the TV helping coach her teams to victory.

The most important things she taught others about life was how to love others and to know that love goes beyond this life. Ouida was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pauls Valley where she sang in the choir. She looked forward to times when her Sunday School class met for dinner.

Ouida entered this life born to Kennett Irven and Myrtle (Bowden) Sharpes on December 28, 1926 in Norton, Texas.

She graduated from Norton High School in 1945. She married Clements Taylor on April 7, 1946. They lived in Ballinger and Abilene, Texas where they raised their five children. Johnny and Ouida remet in 1969 and later married on June 20, 1970 in Ballinger, Texas.

She was preceded in death by parents, Mr. and Mrs. K.I. Sharpes; her Cathy and grandson, Baby Garrett Taylor.

Survivors include husband, John B. Ballard; sons, Charlie Taylor and wife Kathy, Chris Taylor and Lou Ann Montgomery, and John B. Ballard II; daughters, Charlotte Taylor and Partner Barbara Curry, and Carolyn Taylor Maxwell; 12 grandchildren, Shannon Puckett, Tallion Taylor and wife Jennifer, Zachary Taylor, Bryson Maxwell and wife Dawn, Chaney Shores, Laci Sanders, Tiffany Taylor, Taylor Maxwell, Kristine Cooper, Stephanie Gourley and husband J.J., John B. Ballard III and Natasha, and Jordan Ballard; great-grandchildren, Dylan and Trent Taylor, Levin and Lucas Maxwell, Kurtis and Kelli Mayo, Josh, Ashton and Leigha Puckett, McKenna Cooper, John B.Ballard IV, Joe Gourley; brother, K.I. Sharpes Jr.; and her best friend Niobe Clinton.

Funeral services for Ouida Ballard are scheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Pauls Valley with Pastor Gerald Ware officiating.

Interment will follow in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family and Ouida’s video may be viewed at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com.