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Dominican Sister of Peace Mary Otho Ballard, OP 

Dominican Sister of Peace Mary Otho Ballard, OP, (91), a native of Bardstown, KY, died on January 22, 2025, at Sansbury Care Center in St. Catharine, KY.   
 
Mary was born to Mary Pearl Taylor and Otho J. Ballard. She responded to God's call to religious life in 1950, made her first profession in 1952, and took her final vows in 1955. She devoted herself to living those vows faithfully for 73 years. 
 
Sr. Mary Otho earned a BA in Education from Siena College, an MA in Religious Education from Fordham University, and a Certificate in Religious Formation from St. Louis University. She also participated in and led various advanced teaching workshops. 

Mary Otho began her ministry as a teacher and administrator in Kentucky, Nebraska, and Ohio, serving for over 15 years. She then dedicated more than 10 years to Religious Education in Kentucky and Tennessee. Her ministry also included many years of service in roles within Parish Ministry, including as the administrator of San Antonio Catholic Mission in Belize. 

The Congregation recognized her skills and talents, and she later took on several key roles, such as Motherhouse Coordinator, Director of the Associate Program for St. Catharine, Regional Assistant, and Promoter of the New Dominican Life program, among other duties. Even after her official retirement, Mary Otho continued to contribute through ministries in adult education and spirituality outreach programs. 

In her letter to the congregation, Sr. Pat Twohill reflected on Sr. Mary Otho, saying, "As we watch the news about the wildfires in California, the snow in Louisiana and Tennessee, and the freezing temperatures across our nation, we are reminded to pray for the impact of climate change and our role in it. Mary Otho did more than just pray; she lived her convictions, even requesting a green funeral. While we may not all make that same choice, we can follow her example by living our beliefs—not just speaking them—on all matters of the Gospel." 
 
She is survived by her brother, James, nieces and nephews. 
 
Sr. Mary Otho was buried in a green funeral at St. Catharine Motherhouse Cemetery on January 22. A Memorial Mass was celebrated on January 30 at the Motherhouse. 
 
Memorial gifts in Sister Mary Otho’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.

Click here to print this obituary.

Below, Sr. Mary Vuong shares her call to Vowed Life, including Sr. Mary Otho and a bet.

2 thoughts on “Dominican Sister of Peace Mary Otho Ballard, OP 

  1. I had the privilege of knowing Sr
    Mary Otho briefly through our participation with Contemplative Outreach – Centering Prayer. As a Dominican from Ireland (Cabra Congregation) it was a delight to meet her at conferences, to exchange ideas but most of all to encourage one another on fulfilling our Dominican calling to be contemplative and active. I had no idea of her age. She wore it welll. May she rest in peace. Fionnuala Quinn O.P.

  2. Sr Mary Otho taught at St. Mary’s School in Bellevue, NE from 1956-1967. She was admired by many of her former students who have responded to our centennial inquiries a few years ago.
    I was fortunate to meet her last March 18th, 2024 at the Sansbury Care Center. What a wonderful visit as she had many fond memories of her teaching at St. Mary’s and of her life. She was a pen pal to our current 6th graders when they were in 1st grade. She made them cookies and when they were fourth graders Christmas cards were sent to her and she remembered them and sent them cookies again. May she enjoyed her eternal reward with her Savior, Our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Mary’s School prayed for her at their all-school Mass this week, Wed. Jan. 29th.

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