Loyanne Deidre Ballard's Obituary
Loyanne Deidre Ballard, 70, passed on August 11, 2025, in Fayetteville following a courageous battle with advanced stage breast cancer. She was born on October 5, 1954, in Fayetteville, Arkansas to the late Wayne and Doris (Kinzer) Smith.
She attended school in Fayetteville, Arkansas, graduating from Fayetteville High School in 1973. Loyanne then obtained her Bachelor of Science and Education from the University of Arkansas. She remained a faithful and optimistic Razorback for the remainder of her life.
Loyanne taught school for 38 years; Fayetteville Arkansas school district, Orleans Parish in Louisiana, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s County in Maryland, ending her carrier in Fort Worth, Texas. She served as a fantastic educator for grades K-6. She was loved and adored by her students and colleagues. Her generous spirit touched countless lives. Following her work as an in-class educator she was asked to serve as an instructional coach for the teachers of Fort Worth Independent School District.
In 1992, she met and married the love of her life, Commander Timothy Ballard. Together they raised a wonderful family leaving behind a legacy of love, memories and traditions. She served as the dutiful wife and mother to a military household always on the move. She took great pride in her home, organizing and decorating. Loyanne especially loved hosting family during holidays. Her greatest joys were traveling and being surrounded by her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Tim Ballard; daughters, Anne Travis (Dr. Patrick), Kristen Alberta (Terrence); son, Brandon Ballard (Crystal), Damon Ballard, Justin Ballard (Sinead); sister, Pamela Smith; and grandchildren, Lily Vanhook, Suttyn Alberta, Lennox Alberta, Brynn Ballard, Casen Ballard, Camren Ballard, Cade Ballard, Kayler Ballard, Taelynn Ballard, Avaley Ballard, Rachel Ballard, Addison Ballard, Dylan Travis, Jessica Travis, and Matthew Travis.
A visitation will be on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9:30 with a service to follow at 10:30 in Fellowship Church Chapel, Rogers. Burial will be at Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HOPE Cancer Resources. https://hopecancerresources.org/get-involved/donate/
Online condolences can be made at https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com
What’s your fondest memory of Loyanne?
What’s a lesson you learned from Loyanne?
Share a story where Loyanne's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Loyanne you’ll never forget.
How did Loyanne make you smile?