Sherwood “Duff” C. Ballou, 78, a lifetime resident of Gilsum died peacefully after a long battle with Dementia on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene with his daughters by his side.
Duff was born to the late Donald and Leila (Applin) Ballou on June 5, 1944. He was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1962. He was a key part of the 1962 State Champion Varsity Cross Country team.
Soon after school Duff enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War serving in Pakistan at the US Embassy. He served his time with distinction and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant on October 28, 1966.
On March 7, 1967, Duff started his long career as a lineman at New England Telephone, retiring after 34 years on September 28, 2001.
On November 26, 1977, he exchanged vows with Maxine E. (Hull) Ballou. They were married at the First Congregational Church in Gilsum with family and friends in attendance.
He enjoyed anything outdoors spending time hunting, fishing & landscaping his yard. He enjoyed playing pitch and horseshoes at the Gilsum American Legion. Duff took great joy in playing whiffleball with his grandchildren.
Duff is survived by his loving & devoted wife of 45 years, Maxine Ballou of Gilsum and their three children, Pamela S. Wilson and her husband, James of Nelson, Greg J. Lagimoniere and his wife, Lesley of Jacksonville, FL. and Sarah A Roosa and her husband, Eric of Swanzey. He is also survived by his two siblings, Gary Ballou and his wife, Carol of Gilsum, and Donise LaRoche and her husband, Tim of Gilsum and his six grandchildren, Hillary Zieba, Casey Wilson, Kaity Max Lagimoniere, Kylie Lagimoniere, John Blake, and Bryce Blake, a great-grandchild, Wyatt Zieba and another one on the way due in August. Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm in the funeral chapel. Burial will take place in the family lot at Centennial Cemetery, Gilsum in the spring. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL. 60601 or to Ruck Up Inc., 42 Upper Knight St. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
