Michael Loren Ballard, age 33 of Salem, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Michael was born on September 30, 1992, in Centralia, the son of Charles C. Jr. and Mary (Albert) Ballard.
Survivors include his mother, Mary “Susie” Austin and step-father, Jeff Austin of Salem; son, Ryder Lyons; daughter, Payton Ballard; brothers, Eric Ballard and fiancé Lesley Wilson and Joshua Ballard and wife Katie; nephew, Chance Ballard; nieces, Hope Ballard and Ally Kay Ballard; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, including one special cousin Dale K. Albert Jr. who was like a brother to him, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles C. Ballard Jr.; paternal grandparents, Charles Ballard Sr. and Shirley Brown; and maternal grandparents, Loren and Emogene Albert.
Michael enjoyed life; he loved fishing, hunting, building, and running demolition derby cars with his brothers and nephew. He enjoyed spending time with his son and daughter, taking them on motorcycle rides or sitting by a pond. He enjoyed spending time with his club brothers and riding the open road. He loved to tease, joke, and torment. Michael was employed as a welder and fabricator for American Equipment and Machine. To know him was to love him.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Martin Cemetery in Alma with Roger Lipe officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the family, with checks made payable to Mary Austin, and can be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
