04/20/2026
Marilyn Lea Unbehauen Ballard
March 4, 1938 — April 18, 2026
Medford
It is with deep sadness that we announce Marilyn Lea Ballard, of Medford, OK, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 88, on April 18, 2026.
Friends and family are welcome to Lanman Funeral Home in Medford, OK on Thursday, April 23, 2026, between 4:00–6:00 p.m. with family present.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 123 W Pawnee St., Medford, OK, with Pastor Jonathan Wilson. Burial following at Rosemound Cemetery in Medford.
Marilyn was born 6 miles east of Jefferson, OK to her parents Otto “Bud” and Christine Unbehauen. She attended the Red Country School until the sixth grade. From the seventh to the twelfth grade, she attended Lamont Public Schools, where she graduated as salutatorian in 1956. She then married the love of her life John Neil Ballard, Sr. on November 30, 1954. They were happily married for 71 years. Marilyn went to the Enid Business School in 1956 for 2 years, living with her parents while John Sr. was stationed in Japan.
Marilyn and John Sr. settled in New Britain, Connecticut, after John Sr. returned from Japan. They welcomed their first child, Cynthia, there. Later, they moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where their second child, Ginger Jo, was born. Their third child, John Jr., was born after they relocated to Fort Bliss, Texas. Some of the places they called home included Okinawa, Japan; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Germany; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Marilyn traveled extensively as an army wife including five foreign countries and all throughout the United States, all while raising three children.
After John, Sr. retired from the Army, the family relocated to Medford, Oklahoma, to start farming. Marilyn took charge of the tractor work. Once retired from farming, Marilyn and John Sr. decided to enjoy the warmth of Texas for 20 years, returning to Medford, Oklahoma in 2019 to build a home where they lived to present day.
Marilyn, an exceptional seamstress, also enjoyed various crafts and hobbies, such as water skiing, boating, and camping. She was an accomplished golfer and even achieved a hole-in-one in 2002 at Fort Clark Springs, Texas.
Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, Retired First Sergeant John Neil Ballard, Sr., of their home; her daughters, Cynthia Ann Ballard and Ginger Jo Ballard, both of Oklahoma City, OK; her bonus daughter, Amy Elliot of Norman, OK; her sisters, Lawanda Debow of Enid, OK, and Phyllis Kay of Augusta, Georgia; her grandchildren, Misty Beall of Oklahoma City, OK, Bryan Kugel of Tonkawa, OK, and Cassie Trevino of Cache, OK; her great-grandchildren, Kash Kugel, Cynlea Trevino, Camber Trevino, and Clinton, Jr. “CJ” Trevino; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Otto “Bud” and Christine Unbehauen of Medford, OK; her son, John Neil Ballard, Jr. of Tonkawa, OK; her great-granddaughter, Anna Lee Kugel of Tonkawa, OK; and her sister, Betty Cross of Fort Morgan, CO.
Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Medford. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.
