Frances (Hixson) McCleod Ballard

**In Loving Memory of Frances (Hixson) McCleod Ballard**

Frances (Hixson) McCleod Ballard, 83, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, passed away on July 10, 2025, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Born on October 10, 1941, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Mary Joanna (Wiltshire) Hixson and Dave Luther Hixson.

Frances was married to Rev. Charles George Ballard on July 14, 2007, in Muldrow, Oklahoma. She devoted her life to her family and her work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and she was a lifelong member of The First Church of the Nazarene in Muldrow.

Frances is survived by her loving husband, Rev. Charles Ballard, of the home; her daughter, Cathy Brown and her husband, Gil, of Tahlequah, OK; and two sons, Dave McCleod of Perry, OK, and Mark McCleod and his wife, Teresa, of Muldrow, OK. She is also cherished by 11 grandchildren: Misty McCleod, Mandy McCleod Hoop, Tiny Man, Tara McCleod, Ashley Brixey, Joshua McCleod, Mary Beth McCleod, Jacob McCleod, Brooke McCleod, Courtney Hart, and Casee Matlock, along with 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Frances is also survived by three sisters: Lynda Bailey of Owasso, OK, Judy Faulkner of Muldrow, OK, and Mary Smith of Muldrow, OK; and two brothers, Jerry Hixson and Kenny Hixson, both of Muldrow, OK. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will deeply miss her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Steve McCleod.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at The First Church of the Nazarene in Muldrow. Following the service, burial will take place at Memory Garden Cemetery in Muldrow under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Active pallbearers will include Dave McCleod, Mark McCleod, Joshua McCleod, Stephen McCleod, Jacob McCleod, and Raven McCleod. Honorary pallbearers will be her nephews.

The viewing will be from 10 AM to 8 PM on Tuesday at The First Church of the Nazarene, where family will receive friends from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Frances will be remembered for her kindness, love for her family, and unwavering faith. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.