Carol Marie (Coppins) Ballew was born May 18, 1946 in Pittsburgh PA, to William Coppins and Zoe (Whitmire) Coppins. She Passed March 1, 2025 in Sheridan WY.

Carol grew up in Columbus, OH, graduating from Ohio State. Carol was accepted into a Naval Officer Program and upon graduation, she was commissioned an Ensign (0-1) in the Nurse Corps. Her first duty station was Naval Hospital Balboa, San Diego, CA. While in San Diego, she met her future husband Paul Ballew, Jr, a naval aviator stationed at Miramar Naval Air Station. They were married November 7, 1970 in Columbus, OH. Upon Paul's release from active duty they bought a VW camper and spent a year traveling through Europe and Morocco. Returning from Europe they moved to Southern California, buying a home in Newhall in 1976. Here they raised their two sons, Brian (born 1976) and Eric (born 1978). While raising her boys, she continued to serve in the Navy Reserves while working full time as a school nurse for the Acton-Aqua Dulce School District. She was responsible for the health needs across five rural schools.

Carol was always a favorite of the boys' friends, as her time working as a school nurse enabled her to more easily relate to the boys and give them a hard time. She also devoted countless hours to the boys' sports, and even served as president of the high school basketball booster club. As much as she enjoyed her time as a school nurse, Carol was immensely proud of her time serving in the Navy. During Desert Storm, she was recalled to active duty, serving at Camp Pendleton, CA, where she was officer in charge of several hundred recalled reservist. After 31 years of dedicated service, Carol retired from the Navy having attained the rank of Captain (06). Upon retirement, she pursued her two biggest passions, being a grandmother (GramC as she was called) and cruising around the world, literally. She visited 95 countries on 78 cruises, including two world cruises, and over 1,000 days at sea.

Carol and Paul's last years together were spent cruising to exotic places around the world and showering their kids and grandkids with love. Carol was a dedicated wife, a loving and caring mother and grandmother, and was a lifelong friend to so many. Carol and Paul celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family (during Covid) in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Carol is survived by her husband of 54 years, Paul, her sons: Brian (Shay) of Sheridan WY; Eric (Lesley) of Kailua, HI. Grandkids: Olivia, Evan, Tristan and Lana. Siblings: Linda Moravec (Glendale, OH) and Kent Coppins (Scottsdale, AZ) as well as four nieces. A significant loss to so many.

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

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