Robert “Bob” W. Ballou, 78, a long-time resident of Swanzey and formerly of Keene died on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Keene Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. He passed unexpectedly and peacefully after a period of declining health.
Robert was born the son of the late Ruth (Davis) and Ronald Ballou on October 25, 1941 in Keene. He was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1950.
Bob was a patriot and enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. He served his enlistment and was honorably discharged.
On November 14, 1964 he exchanged vows with Gail Lewis at the First Congregational Church of Swanzey. They were married with family and friends in attendance and have been married for fifty-five years.
Bob worked at Markem Inc. in the shipping and receiving department for thirty-five years before retiring in 2011.
He could be found mowing his lawn or friend’s lawns. Time was spent going to and having family gatherings. Bob was involved in his church. He was a former Deacon at the Jaffrey Congregational Church for many years. Bob was a member of the First Congregational Church of Swanzey. He could be found working church suppers, especially the chicken barbeque supper every year. Bob was always willing to lend a hand at various church and community events. You would see Bob driving his truck around town usually with his wife at his side or the family dog. He played cribbage at the Keene Senior Center with friends. He loved helping and being with people. Bob was a true giver.
Mr. Ballou is survived by his wife, Gail Ballou of Swanzey. His daughter, Jenny R. Gordon of Swanzey. A granddaughter, Kellie E. Gordon of Swanzey. His sister, Sandra J. Gourley and her husband, James of Surry. Bob is pre-deceased by his daughter, Michelle E. Ballou (1985) and his sister, Dorothy E. Hackett (2005).
Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 6, 2020 from 6 to 8pm. in the funeral chapel. A graveside service will occur on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 10am. in the family lot at Mountain View Cemetery, Old Homestead HWY, Rt. 32 South, Swanzey, NH. 03446. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Robert W. Ballou to:
Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHAD)
1 Medical Center Dr.
Lebanon, NH. 03756.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic social distancing and masks will be required. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
