A graveside service for Betty Louise Ballard, 90, of Covington, will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, November 9, 2026 at Sand Flats Cemetery, located at 4216 Farm to Market 4, Cleburne, TX 76031, with Pastor Mark Crosby and Pastor Wade Yarbro officiating. There will be a time of visitation for family and friends from 6:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

In honor of Betty’s life of servanthood, please make donations to the local mission, food bank or ministry of your choice, to help the Servants out here who are sharing God’s love and salvation message in all that they do! For His Glory ☝️

Betty Louise Ballard went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, October 30, 2026 in Cleburne, Texas. She was born on January 17, 1939 in Covington, Texas to Robert and Lucille Watson. Betty was the second of four children including her three brothers: JB, Walter, and Dudley. They were a farming family growing peanuts and raising livestock. Betty said one of the best things about being a girl on a farm was leaving the field early to help the ladies cook. The kitchen was better than the field and she could stick her tongue out at her brothers as she walked back with her Mom and the other ladies.

Betty met the love of her life, Darrell Ballard, on a Covington ISD school bus. He was the new kid carrying a guitar. They were married in the summer of 1954 at a Baptist Church in Itasca, Texas, following a revival service. The two were the Singing Ballards from the start; what started as a duet expanded over the years with the births of their three children, Dennis, Darren and Penny. Betty and Darrell were born again Christians who spread the Gospel through song with their family in many years and in many places.

Betty's working career started at Pangburn's Chocolates Factory in Fort Worth, Texas in 1957. She went from there to beautician school. She got her license and worked in the industry most of her life. She owned her own business , "Betty's Beauty Salon" in Everman, Texas for some time and also helped manage Darrell's flooring company, "Ballard Carpets" in Burleson, Texas for over 40 years. Near the end of her career/calling, she worked at the Grandview Nursing and Rehab Center as a beautician and barber for several years. Betty continued for years later to still cut, color and style hair for family members. It was what she loved to do! She also loved to cook and bake for her family including passed down recipes of “Chocolate Sauce & Biscuits” from Maw Maw Ballard and “Homemade Yeast Rolls” from Granny Lucille. She enjoyed teaching and making both of the recipes with her grandkids. Her grandson, Noah, has since mastered both recipes and will proudly continue the legacy in her honor!

Betty had a true servant’s heart. She was always such a joy to anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She would listen like no other and offer uplifting words, thoughts and scripture from God’s Word to those in need of encouragement and hope. She was a mighty prayer warrior with a gentle and quiet spirit! She truly believed in the Power of Prayer! I know she heard the words, “well done, thy good and faithful servant!” as she entered Heaven’s Gates.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Darrell Ballard; their son, Dennis Lee Ballard; parents Lucille & Robert Watson; brothers, John Browning (JB) Watson, Walter Waylon Watson, and William Dudley Watson.

She is survived by her children, Darren Ballard & wife, Cathy, of Greensburg, PA, Penny Bishop & husband, Gary, of Fort Worth, TX; grandchildren, Jacob Ballard & wife, Brittany, of Irwin, PA, Nathan Ballard & wife, Monica, of Summerville, SC, Hannah Beltran & husband, Caleb, of Cleburne, TX, Noah Nors and son-in-law, Billy Nors, of Hillsboro, TX; great-grandchildren, Jaina Ballard, Benjamin Ballard, and Teo Beltran; brother-in-law, Lee Ballard, of Celina, TX; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

I (Penny Bishop and Betty’s family) would like to express a special note of thanks to Dr. Rajan, Dr. Hamas, RNs Keisha, Brandon, Sue, Harley, nurse aide Sophie, and so many more who cared for our mom in the last few weeks in the hospital. A special thank you to Noah Gutierrez who stayed by mom’s bedside with me even hours past his shift end, to make sure mom was not in any pain during her passing on hospice. We truly appreciate the team over at Wings Over Texas Hospice Cleburne, Rosemary, RNs Meagan & Brody, and their chaplain. And to all of those who cared for mom at Heritage Trails during her short stay there, we thank you too! Words cannot express our gratitude. You ALL were truly the Hands & Feet of Jesus to my mom during this time. Thank you & may God bless you all!