Richard E. Ballou

OAKHAM -Richard E. Ballou, 68, beloved husband of Wendy L. (Maxwell) Ballou, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. Born in Southbridge and raised in Holland, he was the son of the late Donald A. and Nancy E. (Clark) Ballou Lawrence.

Rick enjoyed a long career as a process engineer in the plastics industry. He was an avid fisherman; it became his passion over the years. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, the outdoors, gardening and camping.

He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife of 50 years; his son, Joshua Ballou of Worcester; his daughter-in-law, Carrie Ballou of Milford; his daughter, Ashley Ballou and her husband, David Kramer of Feura Bush, NY; three sisters including Diane Morse of SC, Brenda St. Laurent of Southbridge, and Jaymi Lawrence of Southbridge; his four granddaughters, Gabriella, Hazel, Wren and Violet Ballou; his brothers-in-law, Steven Maxwell and his wife, Nancy of Port. St. Lucie, FL and Michael Maxwell and his wife, Karen of Medway; and several nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his sister Barbara Gelineau and brother Martin Lawrence. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 24 at Heritage Bible Chapel, 182 Brooks Station Road, Princeton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rick’s name may be made to Missions at Heritage Bible Chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. www.milesfuneralhome.com