Rene Ballou passed away peacefully on Aug. 22, 2012. She was born in Selby on Nov. 1, 1932, as Maurine E. Buchanan. She grew up in Aberdeen where she graduated from Central High School in 1950. After graduation from Northern States University with a BA in teaching, English and drama, she married Gary Ballou. After living in Washington, D.C., during Gary's enlistment with the U.S. Army, they moved to Sioux Falls and had their only son, Mitchell, in 1962. They relocated to Tempe, Ariz., in 1981 where Rene was active in the Tempe Lakes Community.
She is survived by her husband, Gary; son, Mitch; grandchildren: Cheyanne, Logan and Josh; as well as many nieces, nephews.
Other family members now deceased include father, Leo Buchanan; mother, Elise Buchanan; brothers: James and Dean Buchanan.
Rene had lifelong passions of family, community service, education, and theatre, which were served by her wit and keen sense of humor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in honor of Rene may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or to the charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Carr-Tenney Mortuary, 2621 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282 where a private memorial service shall be held.
Please visit carrtenneymortuary.com to leave Rene's family online condolence messages.