Weaver Marion Ballard

Longtime Ruidoso resident Weaver “Butch” Ballard passed away December 15, 2025. He was 85.

Weaver Marion Ballard was born on September 5, 1940, in Hico, Texas to Weaver Boyd and Oveta Hyles Ballard. He grew up on a 360 acre homestead with sister Sandra Kate and brothers Clyce, Bryce and Toby.

He went to school in Carlton Tx where he graduated. He played on the school’s six-man football team back in the day when all they had was helmets and no pads.

Weaver had a long and interesting work life. He was a meat cutter for many years starting in the 50’s when the owner of Furr’s Grocery Store hired him as a butcher. He then went on to train newly hired meat cutters at other Furr’s Grocery Stores.

In 1970, Weaver opened his own butcher shop in Alamogordo where he met and married his wife Diana. Weaver and Diana moved to Ruidoso and opened a meat market that he kept going until the mid-‘70s.

Weaver then went to work for an appliance repairman. After learning the ropes, he started his own appliance-repair business. He also did custom meat processing for local hunters. Weaver never did retire, working right up to the time he no longer could.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, as well as playing, coaching, and watching sports. He played fast-pitch softball, umpired baseball and coached little-league basketball. In later years he and Diana enjoyed playing the slots at local casinos.

When his health began to decline he enjoyed friends and family stopping by to visit and watch the Cowboys play.

Weaver will always be remembered as respectful, honest, funny, and tons of fun. He taught his kids right from wrong and to laugh off the things you can’t fix.

He is survived by his son Tony (Sally) Ballard of Ruidoso, daughter Diandra Childress (Gene), of Ruidoso, son Shaun(Sue) Childress of Edgewood NM, Felicia Humphreys of Phoenix AZ, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends he considered family. He was preceded in death by his wife Diana, his son Joe, his parents Boyd and Oveta and his brothers Clyce, Bryce, and Toby.

There will be no formal service. Weaver’s wishes were to have his ashes scattered from atop Windy Point. The family would like to thank the staff at the Mescalero Care Center for taking such good care of Weaver in his final months.