Serge Lyman Ballif Obituary (1925 - 2005)

S. LYMAN BALLIF HOOPER - Serge Lyman Ballif, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend returned home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 11, 2005. He was born July 3, 1925, in Whitney, Idaho on his grandfather's farm. He was the oldest son of Serge Chadwick and Ina Wilcox Ballif. He was raised in Logan and spent many summers in Preston, Idaho. He attended Logan High School. Lyman enlisted at the age of seventeen and served three and A 1/2 years in the United States Navy. On February 3, 1947, Lyman married the love of his life, MarJean Carter in the Logan Temple. Two weeks after the marriage he left to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission. During the last six months of his mission, MarJean, his wife was called to serve as his companion. After his mission, he attended Utah State University. During his time at the university, he learned to fly airplanes, the second love of his life. This love of flying led to his career as an airline pilot. He flew for several airlines and retired in 1985, as the Chief Pilot for Transamerica Airlines. During his years as a pilot, he lived an exciting life that took him around the globe. Lyman and MarJean made their home in Hooper, Utah. There they raised five children, Jeanne, Ann, Stan, Brad, and Kay. During his career as an airline pilot, he loved returning home to his family and farm. One of his greatest pleasures was working with his tractor and backhoe. The family always referred to these pieces of equipment as his "toys". He looked for any excuse to help family, friends and neighbors. Lyman also, enjoyed serving his church. He served as a Bishop, Ward Clerk, counselor in the Bishopric, High Priest group leader, home teacher, temple worker, and faithful member. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and those he served. He is survived by his wife, MarJean, three daughters and one son, Jeanne Spencer (Scott), Ann Hunter (Dick), Stan Ballif (Valerie), Kay Ballif and granddaughter, Bethany Ballif. Lyman has 22 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Also, surviving are two brothers, Richard and Don Ballif, three sisters, Yvonne Knighton, Joanne Cottrell, Ina Rae Knighton and a brother-in-law Byran Durham. Lyman was welcomed on his journey by his son Brad, his parents, one brother David and one sister Florine. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Joseph Graham, and the staff of the Ogden Regional Medical Center. Their tender service and care of Lyman was noted and appreciated by the family. The challenges faced by Lyman these past few weeks were cushioned by their attentive, loving manner. Final Approach During a lifetime in aviation, I have experienced many difficult landings. Yet, I know, I have another landing waiting for me. For this final glide, I ask only for an airplane so I can savor briefly once more the feel of flight for the last time, the slowly changing scenes, as I maneuver and glide and bank onto what I have long known will be my final approach. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 December 14, 2005 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceHooper 6th Ward 5375 S. 5900 W. Hooper, UT 84315 December 15, 2005 1:00 PM CemeteryHooper Cemetery 5290 South 6300 West Hooper, UT 84315 December 15, 2005 2:30 PM