OBITUARY OF DEBRA KATHLEEN (MAYSE) BALLARD
Note: This is written by Debra Ballard, because I want to tell my own story, and no one else really wanted to, so if I leave any questions unanswered, I welcome you to ask me later.
I was diagnosed with very aggressive ovarian cancer in February 2023 and underwent Chemotherapy and surgery. In January 2024 two doctors gave me less than 6 months to live. I chose not to do more treatments that made me sick, and were not expected to help. I lived the best life I could until God took me to where everything makes sense on September 1st 2024.
Debra Kathleen Mayse was born December 23rd, 1951 in Seattle, Wa., to Hugh W. Mayse (Wenatchee, WA) and Betty J. Stevens Mayse (Kellogg, ID). I lived a few scattered years in Seattle, but mainly I grew up in Bothell, Woodinville and Snohomish County, outside of town on acreage, with lots of kids and critters. My most special place is Pacific Beach, WA, on the ocean, where my grandparents had a motel, and where we spent every magical day possible as kids.
I married Thomas L. Barnett, in Maltby, WA, when we were both too young, and we happily welcomed my only biological child, David T. Barnett.
I studied bookkeeping at ITT Peterson, and then Real Estate at Everett Community College, and became a Realtor. My biggest talents seem to be organization, and problem solving. I enjoy traveling, reading, and helping people. I cannot remember when I did not have a relationship with God, and he has truly blessed me, although I realize I did not always follow his lead.
In 1978 I moved to Glenns Ferry, ID, and then Weiser, ID in 1979, working for the Signal American Newspaper.
I married Roger H. Davis and we built, owned, and operated a small flatbed trucking company for 26 years. We traveled 32 states, worked with many amazing people and companies, enjoying the good years, and learning more from the tough ones.
In 2009 I organized a Weiser Potluck Favorites Cookbook, and we used the proceeds to help families with holidays and back to school expenses. I had the privilege of being President of the Ladies of the Elks, Weiser BPOE #1683 in 1994 and 2024.
I was honored to receive a certificate of appreciation in 2010, to Deb and Roger Davis Trucking, from the Calvary Troopers of ACE HIGH 2nd Squadron Calvary Regiment. It included a flag that was flown over their Operating Base Cobra during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which had previously been Saddam Hussein’s palace. This was the surprising result of responding to a trooper, on peace keeping aid and patrol, who requested good used shoes for the local, barefoot children suffering blistering sands and trying to avoid scorpions. We gathered and sent many, many boxes and boxes of good clean used and new shoes.
In 2012 I married Larry E. Ballard, the most amazing, caring man I have ever met, and the love of my life. We have been blessed to make many amazing memories together, and his wonderful family made me feel I was a part of them from the very beginning.
I am survived by my husband, Larry Ballard. My Son, David Barnett, granddaughter Letisa (Jared) Vargas, great-grandsons Wyatt and Brody, and granddaughter Julia (Colton) Barnett, great-grand children Lily, Mason and Liam. Sisters Shelli Holcomb, Pat Roberts-Dempsey (Herb), and brother Dean (Vicki) Petrick, and amazing step children Sheri Ballard, Jon Ballard, Kevin (Leslie) Ballard, Dave (Bee) Hicks, Donita (Brian) Dalton Davis, Ginger (Bill) Taylor.
I have requested that there be no service. If you feel you want to do something in memory of me, Please do an act of kindness, or better yet forgive someone, it makes life happier.
