Funeral arrangements announced for woman killed in Bixby

By John Dobberstein, Editor

While law enforcement investigates the criminal case against her husband, funeral arrangements have been announced for Kara Nichole Ballard.

Ballard, 40, was found dead at Washington Irving Memorial Park in Bixby Sunday night after her daughter asked police to check on her whereabouts.

Travis Glenn Ballard, 33, was arrested in connection with her death after a brief police chase in Pryor.

“Although she was meek and kind she was fun, outgoing, and always willing to help. Kara was a hard worker and loved to shop,” Kara’s family said in her obituary, which identifies her as Kara Nichole Hammontree. “She may not have on her makeup but she would for sure have on her big silver hoop bling earrings.

“She loved watching her kids play ball and could be a firecracker when she needed to be. If you knew Kara, you knew that she loved her children with her entire heart and soul.”

A funeral service for Kara will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2023 at Victory Worship Center in Spiro. Burial will follow at Cowlington Cemetery in Cowlington, Okla.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 15, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. The family kindly asks those attending the service to wear purple, as that was Kara's favorite color.

Kara was born on April 19, 1983 in Poteau, Okla. to Lisa Deshazo and Jimmy Hammontree and passed away on June 11, 2023 in Bixby. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Herman and Helen Hammontree.

Survivors include her daughter; Alyssa Saulsberry and fiance Rylan Cooper, sons; Shawn Hogan, Keegan Ballard, brothers; Michael Aary and wife Allie, Elliott West, father; Jimbo Hammontree and wife Beverly, mother; Lisa Deshazo, grandparents; Rick and Charlene Deshazo, mother and father-in law; Gina and Glenn Ballard, Nan; Carolene Underwood, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and loved ones.