Joel Vincent Ballenger, 8

"So Long To An Ole Cowboy"

Joel Vincent Ballenger, 81, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2007, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. (MST) on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007, at the Heron Community Center in Heron, Mont. Burial will be held at Heron Cemetery in Heron.

Joel was born on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1925, in Flat Rock, N.C., the youngest of six children. He and his family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1927. He would call the Pacific Northwest home for the duration of his life.

Joel lived his life valiantly; eager, persistent, and unafraid. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, truck driver, construction worker, body man, master mechanic, miner, cattle rancher, and cowboy.

On July 9, 1943, he married his first and only love, Mary. They settled with their four children in the Heron area in 1951. He worked for Morrison-Knudsen to construct multiple hydro-electric dams in Western Montana, northern Idaho, Washington, and Wyoming.

He retired from Asarco Mines in the late 1980' s to pursue his greatest ambition; cattle ranching. Joel's life is a culmination of many dreams, aspirations, stories and interests. He was a man of many hats — the most suitable was that of a cowboy.

Joel was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; a granddaughter, Lisa; and a son, Jerry.

He is survived by his daughters, Judy and Mary (Sis), both of Heron; and his son, Anthony, of Honduras. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Joel's life is the embodiment of a great story; thrive and live life to the fullest. We raise our glasses and tip our hats to you — so long ole cowboy.

Family and friends are invited to sign Joel's online guest book and view his obituary at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.