Marie Ballard Dietz

Marie Ballard Dietz Spartanburg - Marie Ballard Dietz, 92, wife of the late Russell William Dietz Sr., entered into eternal rest, Friday December 6, 2013. Marie was born to the late Hosea Thomas and Minnie Eliza Ballard on September 29, 1921. She was the owner of Southern Welding Supply Company in Spartanburg, SC and later Dietz Sales in Union, SC. Marie also ventured into real estate beginning at Lambright Real Estate in the 60’s, where she went on to buy and sell many properties as well as developing a subdivision, Clearview Heights, in Spartanburg, SC. She owned many properties, including mobile home parks, The Tryon Motel in Tryon, NC, and a peach orchard in Campobello, SC. When her husband passed, Marie continued to run Dietz Sales until moving to Isle of Palms, SC in the 90’s. She continued her love for real estate by working at East Islands Real Estate until she was 88. Upon her retirement, Marie enjoyed spending time at the Senior Center in Mt. Pleasant, SC, taking walks, and spending time with her family. She loved getting out and experiencing life each and every day. She is survived by her five children, Debra Sojourner of Mt. Pleasant, Russell (Sue) Dietz of Union, Pam Dietz of Charleston, Karen Doane of Kennebunk, ME, Mike (Kim) Dietz of Spartanburg; her two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Parris, and Verna Sexton of Spartanburg. Marie was blessed with nine grandchildren, Patrick Campbell , Keri Seay, Hedi Livingston, Austin Dietz all of Charleston, Sean Dietz, Casey Dietz of Union, Jennifer Dietz of Los Angeles, CA, Gordon Doane of Tampa, FL, Daniel Doane of Key West, FL; and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by nine brothers. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, December 9, 2013 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, officiated by Rev. Emily Edenfield. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the graveside. In remembrance of Marie, memorials may be made to the Spartanburg Humane Society; 150 Dexter Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29303