David (Chief) Ballestero passed away peacefully with his daughter, Teresa by his side at the South Lyon Medical Center/Long Term Care, Yerington on Sunday, June 3, 2012. He was 86.

He was born in Pacoima, California on February 4, 1926 the son of Frank and Rose Ballestero. He was better known as 'Chief'.

Chief served in the U.S. Army as a truck driver, transportating troops in battles and campaigns of Central Europe. He received the good conduct medal, the victory medal, the European African Middle Eastern campaign medal. He was a member of the VFW in California and at one time President of the American Indian Association of California. He worked as a cement mason in southern California.

After his separation from the Army he married, Pauline and had seven children and later with his wife, Kathy he had another son.

Chief is survived by his daughter, Teresa and her husband Doug Bachler of Yerington, his daughter, Lorriane and nephew, Louie Ballestero of Yerington; his son, William and his wife, Diane Ballestero of California, son, Riley Ballestero of Carson City, son, David Ballestero, Jr. of California; his 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He is now resting in Peace with the Lord and has gone to be with his daughters, Cynthia Walling, Joann Ballestero and son, Jerry Charging Hawk Ballestero, also with his parents and three brothers. He was loved by many people and will surely be missed by many. He was a loving Daddy and Friend.

WASHTAY DADDY WASHTAY

What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night.....It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the SUNSET.....

In keeping with his wishes no memorial service will be held. Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net, sympathy cards may also be sent to the family to Teresa Bachler directly from this site.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911.