Karen Cartwright Ballard

Karen Cartwright Ballard, 66, of Denver, CO died in her home in Lexington, South Carolina Jan. 1, 2024. Karen was born on Oct. 5, 1957, in Denver, CO to James S. “Jim” and Betty Cartwright. The family lived in Westminster where Karen attended school, and graduated from Westminster “Westy” High School. She spent her early adult years working at Brooks Camera and pursuing photography. She continued to pursue photography for years after. In 1979, Karen married Richard “Rick” Ross. She helped raise Rick’s one son; they had one additional child. Karen married Walter Craig Ballard in 1988. They had two children and resided in Littleton. Karen spent her working career as a loan officer, stay-at-home mom and a small business owner for 10 years. She sold the company in 2006 and later became a nanny for her grandchildren until she retired in 2020. Karen is survived by her brother, Stephen Cartwright, and his wife Patricia of Littleton, CO; two daughters, Celeste Tell of Lexington, SC and Cassandra Ballard of Glenwood Springs, CO; two sons, Aeron Ross and his wife Jennifer of Fort Morgan and Michael Ballard of Columbia, SC; seven grandchildren, three nieces and one nephew. Her parents, two husbands and sister, Elaine Schmetterer preceded her in death. Karen was a devoted family matriarch and enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening and traveling. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver, 2pm on Saturday, Feb. 17. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Thompson Funeral Home in Lexington, SC Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.