Olivia Dianne Ezell Ballew
Olivia Dianne Ezell Ballew stepped into the arms of her Heavenly Father on February 5, 2023, peacefully in her home.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Ballew, her parents, Oliver and Hilda Ezell; and brother, Jack Ezell.
She is survived by Kevin and Susie Ballew (son), Jill Ballew and Bobby Rodgers (daughter), Mary Jones (sister), Greg Ezell (brother), Gene Ezell (brother), and eight grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and four step-granddaughters and three step granddaughters that she loved dearly.
Dianne was born on August 29, 1945. She lived all her life in the Lakeview and LaFayette area. She graduated from Lakeview High School and was the Homecoming Queen her senior year. She enjoyed a successful career at the United States Post Office for over 25 years, most recently working at the Lookout Mountain office before retiring. In retirement, she enjoyed teaching Sunday School at Center Point Baptist Church (Noble, Ga.), then at First Baptist of Lakeview (Rossville). Dianne’s real joy came from her devotion to God and her unselfishness of giving her time to help others, especially her grandchildren. To them, she was their Nana. She always held herself to a high standard, although when it came to her grandchildren, she was known to have a mischievous side and was eventually outed for sneaking powdered doughnuts to the grandchildren before bed without letting the parents know.
Dianne was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend who touched many people’s hearts through her life. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 5-8 p.m. at Lane Funeral Home, South Crest Chapel, 833 Chickamauga Avenue, Rossville.
The funeral service will be held at Lane Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m. with Revered Patrick Cooper officiating. The funeral service will be followed by a graveside service at 12 p.m. at Lakewood Memory Gardens South, 325 Greens Lake Road, Rossville.
The family would like to give special thanks to Hearth Hospice and all her caretakers for the many hours they assisted Dianne. Their care and friendship made such a difference in her life!
In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations to either Hearth Hospice (https://www.hearthhospice.com/make_a_donation.php) or First Baptist Church of Lakeview, 10 Hudson St., Rossville, Ga. 30741.