Obituary

Darkness

There I was in the darkness; without no light at all…it

seemed like I was by myself…

Then I could hear the voices of the people beside me…

Cool winds blowing onto the trees, making the sounds

of rubbing…swaying branches back and forth,

the feeling of sunshine beating on my face, I was

walking on the smooth hard cement;

then suddenly I was walking on soft gentle grass;

then I walked farther ahead and there was light away

from the darkness.

By: Richard Ballew III

Sunrise- February 9, 1952   Sunset-November 15, 2024

Richard Born to the late Richard “Dick” and the late Ernistine (Lane) Ballew in Bellingham, Washington. During Richards lifetime he enjoyed many hobbies and jobs to support his family. Richard worked in the oil refinery industry for over 27 years, Richard was a commercial diver and fisherman, Richard also loved to hunt to put food on the table for winter dinners. Rick had made many friends during these times, his jokes and stories always had people laughing at one point or another. Rick was a very social person. Rick also held a brown belt in judo.

Richard met and married the love of his life Janet (Babe), they shared their life together for 53 years. Richard and Janet raised their children James (Patricia), Derrick (Sheila), Brian, Tyson (Amber) Ballew and grandchildren Sebastian (Joslyn) Kinley, Kalani and Simoria Ballew, Latonya, Richard (Dre) and Valerie Ballew; Derrick Jr and Ashley and Isijiah Ballew; Avia, Safire, Lucian Ballew. In the family home along with his great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews in Lummi, WA. Richard has a very large family, his house was never empty, he always had someone’s kid at his home. He loved them all like they were his own.

Richard is survived by his wife Janet, sons James, Derrick, Brian and Tyson his grand-children and numerous great-grandchildren. His siblings; Timothy (Laual), Cathy, Marie, Theresa, John(Cesarita) and Paul Ballew.

Richard was preceded in death by his sons Richard the III and Timothy his parents father Richard “Dick” Sr, Mother Ernistine (Lane) Ballew, siblings Claudia and Anna. Grandparents: Casmir and Annie (Solomon) Ballew; Alfred and Sadie (Celestine) Lane.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 10:00am at the Wexliem Community Building.

Graveside service at Lummi Nation Cemetery to follow.