Dixie Lee Ballard

She was born on May 31, 1927 in Huntington, West Virginia, to the late John and Rebecca Cremeans. Dixie married Arnold “Inky” Ballard in 1944 and moved to Dayton, OH after Inky’s return from the war. Inky and Dixie remained in Dayton throughout their lives, where they raised 2 daughters, Patty and Connie.

Dixie was a natural beauty, both inside and out, and NEVER left the house without her lipstick! She had a way of putting together a lovely ensemble, perfect for the occasion, whatever it may be; always with makeup to compliment. Even at 96 years old, she’d apply her lipstick before answering the door to any visitor. She was the epitome of class.

Dixie worked in retail for a good majority of her life, and thrived in the ability to help others pick out a special outfit or find that one-of-a-kind gift for others. Her warm “Ballard Smile” and welcoming demeanor made her a natural to work with customers. When her daughters were growing up, she often surprised them with new outfits when she was able to find a great deal. She pushed them to continue their education after high school, kick starting careers for both of them.

Dixie and Inky’s iconic home on Cushing Avenue became the comforting childhood destination for their grandchildren to visit each summer or holiday. Without fail, Sloppy Joes and homemade potato salad awaited their arrival after the long car ride. Candy dishes were always filled, despite the number of pieces secretly consumed the day before. Classic games and toys one could only find at Mawaw’s house were out for the children’s enjoyment. Perfect homegrown tomatoes, backyard badminton, Marion’s Pizza, trips to Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum and NCR’s water park were eagerly anticipated on each trip. Somehow, Mamaw’s chocolate milk tasted better than anyone else’s. Saturdays were planned around her favorite weekend activity – garage sales! Watching her was a Master Class in the art of garage saling. Mamaw would offer a few dollars to each child to spend as they wish. She taught them how to bargain, how to move on from a “dud” sale quickly, and how to make the most of your time and money with efficient planning and buying with purpose. She shared in the joy of finding unexpected treasures! She was certainly teaching many life lessons beyond garage sales, and it was just plain fun to spend time with her in her element. It was always sad to say goodbye at the end of the visit, but the grandkids looked forward to the thoughtful bags full of goodies for the drive home, personalized to each grandchild from things she picked up over the year.

Dixie was an avid reader of the newspaper, often clipping important articles and coupons for others she thought they may find useful. She loved her gossip magazines, as well! She would save and trade them with friends; always having a fresh stack of celebrity gossip ready to devour with each visit to her home. Dixie never missed a birthday, anniversary, or holiday and had an amazing memory to keep up with every special date. She always sent a special card a couple of days BEFORE the date to ensure it would arrive on time.

Dixie became a widow in her 60s, but continued to live with fierce independence and a zest for life. She loved music and dancing, as that became a staple of her Saturday nights. She remained close to her siblings and friends, and comforted them through the losses of each other. Even in her 90s, she still wore her lipstick, enjoyed trips to the salon, and picking out her outfit for the day. As she became older and unable to dance, she continued to listen to music and enjoyed recordings of her great-grandson concerts. He would often play music for her on the phone which provided her much delight. She was determined to live independently, and managed to do so until the end of her 96 years.

Dixie is preceded in death by her husband, Arnold “Inky” Ballard; mother and father, John and Rebecca Cremeans; her brother, Johnny Cremeans; her sister Rose Stahl; and her grandson, Justin Zmijewski. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Matthew Zmijewski; her grandchildren Bryan Zmijewski and Laura (Zmijewski) Grant; and her many great-grandchildren, Spencer, Oliver, Parker, Harrison, Emerson and Audrey Mae.

Dixie Ballard made life “wondaful” for everyone and she will be dearly missed. Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 27, 2023 at David’s Community Mausoleum Chapel. All are welcome. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com