https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9MSMdy2LTA
A Memorial Service for Twila F. Ballard, 70, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Riverton United Methodist Church. Twila entered into her Lord and Savior’s eternal care on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Casper, Wyoming. The service will be available via web recording for those unable to attend in person.
Twila was born on July 4, 1955, in Ashley, North Dakota, the daughter of Otto and Darlene L. (Zenker) Helfenstein. She was raised in Ashley, where her faith journey began in the Lutheran church. As her life unfolded, she became a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Riverton, where her love for Christ was evident in both word and deed.
Faith was the cornerstone of Twila’s life. She faithfully served her church family as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, member of the United Methodist Women, Staff Parish Relations Committee member, and through the Riverton United Methodist Community Outreach. Twila found great joy in teaching children about God’s love and living out Christ’s call to serve others. Her church was not only a place of worship, but a place of fellowship, purpose, and ministry.
Twila’s servant’s heart extended far beyond the church walls. She was deeply committed to her community and generously gave of her time and talents through the Wyoming Speech and Hearing Committee, Wyoming Optometry Auxiliary, Jaycee Women’s Group, Beta Sigma Phi, Soroptimists, PEO Chapter AZ, Friends of the Library, and as a volunteer at the Salvation Army Help Center. She believed that serving others was a reflection of her faith, and she quietly and faithfully worked to make a difference wherever she was needed.
Twila attended the University of North Dakota to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology, graduating in 1977. Professionally, Twila immediately started serving as a Speech and Language Pathologist for School District #25 following graduation and concluded her time at Child Development Services of Fremont County, after nearly 40 years. She considered her work more than a career it was a calling. She was passionate about helping children find their voices and reach their potential, offering encouragement, patience, and compassion to the many families she served.
Twila moved to Riverton, Wyoming in 1977. She met Brian Ballard in 1978 and on August 16, 1980, she married the love of her life at the First United Methodist Church. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service. They welcomed their first daughter, Ashley, in 1985 and completed their family with the addition of their second daughter, Whitney, in 1989.
Twila found joy in simple blessings; gathering with friends for pinochle, reading, painting, thrift shopping, playing word games with friends, and participating in her many game groups. She loved cheering loudly for the Rockies, always showing her team spirit and enthusiasm. She treasured fellowship and laughter, and her warmth and kindness drew many people close. She also enjoyed traveling to both familiar and new places, finding Costa Rican beaches to be her favorite, as she loved to watch the water with her toes in the sand (plus, it was always warm!)
She is survived by her loving husband, Brian Ballard of Riverton, WY; her daughters, Ashley Ballard (Jeremy Guadamuz) of Playa Grande, Costa Rica, and Whitney (Steven) Fiscus of Cheyenne, WY; her grandchildren, Zion Guadamuz Ballard of Costa Rica, and Ethan and Tyler Fiscus of Norman, OK; her sisters, Sheila (David) Nelson, of Jamestown, ND, and Faye Salzer of Ashley, ND; her brother-in-law, Bryan Klipfel of Bismarck, ND; her sisters-in-law, Barb (Brian) Bashnick of Diamond Valley, Alberta, Canada, and Margaret Smith, of Victoria, BC, Canada; her nieces and nephews Jeff Bashnick, Andrea (Cory) Brandt, Ian (Julie) Bashnick, Dustin (Courtney) Salzer, Shelby (Austin) LeNoue, Brayden (Kara) Salzer, Carly (Willie) Marler, Raechelle Salzer, and Scott (Bridget) Nelson, along with many more extended family members and dear friends who were blessed by her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Darlene Helfenstein; her sister, Bonita "Bonnie" Klipfel; and her brother-in-law, Barry Ballard.
Twila will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her gentle spirit, and her unwavering dedication to serving others. Well done, good and faithful servant.
In lieu of flowers and other plants, the family kindly ask that donations be made in Twila’s honor to: PEO Chapter AZ, Box 6105, Riverton, Wyoming 82501; United Methodist Church, % United Methodist Women, 1116 West Park, Riverton, Wyoming, 82501.
Online condolences to Twila’s family may be made at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments of Riverton, Wyoming.