Betty Joy Ballew

Betty Joy Ballew, age 91, of Wauseon was called to her eternal home on April 18, 2026.  She was born on April 23,1934 to the late Sidney D and Amy E (Finley) Wooldridge in Evening Shade, Arkansas.

Betty graduated from North Little Rock Senior High School in 1952 and went on to work as a long-distance operator for “Ma Bell”. After she married, Betty devoted her time to her family as a stay-at-home mom. She was a talented seamstress and often made clothing for her children and even made her daughter ‘s wedding dress. Her family loved her cooking, especially her chicken and dumplins’. Once her youngest child was in school, Betty rejoined the workforce.  Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, laughing and telling stories. When she was able, she looked forward to going shopping and dining out.

Betty was known for her kind heart and contagious smile. Our memories will forever be filled with the many visits with Grammie where she made the best southern dishes while dancing in the kitchen and sometimes ended with the best told bedtime stories.  We are forever grateful for her Godly guidance, words of wisdom and candid humor.

Surviving is her son, Randal (Sandra) Ballew of Arkansas; daughter, Angela (Tim) Deeds of Wauseon; grandchildren, Aimee (Eric) Hall, Macey Highfill, Heather Hallett, Jesse (Rochelle) Ballew, Oran (Abby) Cullum, Jacob (Melissia) Ballew, LeShay (Nick) Hoppe, Shane (Stahley) Seeman, Ashley Deeds, Tyler (Marcy) Deeds; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Diane Barnes. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Gary and Scott; granddaughter, Ashley; one great-grandson; and siblings, Jane Smith, Louise Prince, and Charles Wooldridge. 

Visitation for Betty will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Haven Height Baptist Church, from 5pm to 7pm. A funeral service will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the church, at 11am, with Pastors Lance Wyse and Landon Schaffner officiating. Burial will follow at the Wauseon Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Haven Heights Baptist Church or St. Jude Children's Hospital. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. The Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home of Wauseon is honored to serve the Ballew family.

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