Diana Lynn Ballard

Diana Lynn Ballard is now tending to her eternal garden in heaven with her mother and favorite dogs. Diana passed away on January 25, 2021 at the age of 62 in Magnolia, Texas.

Diana was born April 12, 1958 in Salem, Oregon to Barbara (Cook) Wandersee and later adopted by Major Ben R. Milam. She didn’t stay in Salem for long; as the daughter of an Army green beret, she moved around and discovered the world with her brother Terry Milam, sister Cindy Milam and stepmother Julia Milam. From watching bull fights in Spain to playing in bunkers in Germany, she saw all of Europe in her youth. She eventually made her way back to Texas where she attended Tarleton State University. She then welcomed her daughter Amber Milam. She later married (and later remarried) Richard Hoyuela Jr. and they raised Amber and their son Anthony Hoyuela together. Her greatest joy in her life was becoming a Nana to Amelie Milam, Anthony Hoyuela Jr. and Aiden Hoyuela.

Diana had a passion for her garden and being outside, often sitting outside drinking her coffee or tea and admiring the birds who would come to visit, especially hummingbirds. She was devoted to her dogs, she was never without 3 dogs at once and a menagerie of other animals. She joins her favorite dogs Buffy, Kate, Cookie, Blake and Joker in heaven. She loved to DIY crafts and build her home, including having a booth at the Texas Renaissance Festival selling Harry Potter wands and other wood crafts that she made herself with the help of Richard. She was exceptionally good at crocheting, making “Bebe’s” (blankets) for her grandchildren and teaching her daughter to do the same. When it came to her grandchildren, she will be remembered for her kind voice, the receiver of various rocks, and making the best sandwiches.

Diana was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara; her father, Ben; and her sister Cindy. She is survived by her children Amber Milam (Eric Robinson); Anthony Hoyuela (Nicole Hoyuela); her grandchildren Amelie Milam, Anthony Hoyuela Jr. and Aiden Hoyuela; her stepmother Julia Milam; stepfather John Wandersee; brothers Terry Milam and John Ryan Wandersee; nephew Alexander Milam; and her ex-husband who always took care of her through thick and thin, Richard Hoyuela Jr.

The family will honor her life in a private, ash spreading ceremony at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to the Greyhound Pets of American- Houston chapter (gpahouston.org).