East Ventura News

Lucille "Lucy" Ballard, a native of Glencoe, Ohio, and resident of Thousand Oaks for 62 years, passed away on March 4, 2024. She was 98. Lucy grew up in Maryland and pursued her nursing education at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. Her career began in Tacoma, Washington, and later took her to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was there she met her husband of 60 years, Roy "Jake" Ballard.

For 35 years, Lucy worked as a nurse at Health Services for California Lutheran University. During this period, she spent two years with Jake in Saudi Arabia working at the American Embassy's Health Department. In recognition of her contributions, she was named an Honorary Alumna of Cal Lutheran in 1996.

Lucy's community involvement included volunteering at Conejo Valley Hospital and participating in various organizations such as the PTA and the Conejo Valley Historical Society. She also founded the Healing Ministry at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Preceded in death by several family members including her husband and son, Lucy is survived by five children along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Allen Otto Leland died on April 21, 2024, at the age of 99. A former Marine born in Kidder County, North Dakota, Allen pursued higher education after his military service. He obtained his bachelor's degree from St. Cloud Teachers College in 1950 before teaching briefly in North Dakota and Minneapolis.

In Minnesota, he met Anne Adele Henrikson on a blind date; they married soon after. Allen earned his master's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1956 and completed his doctorate at UCLA in curriculum and administration by 1962.

He played a significant role when California Lutheran College was established by organizing its Education Department starting that same year. Over time he served as acting dean and president while becoming the university’s first dean of education until retiring from teaching duties altogether back then (1997).

Survived only partially since losing loved ones like parents or spouse beforehand yet still having children/grandchildren around him now plus expecting more additions shortly thereafter too...