Elizabeth J. "Betty" (Bertelsen) Ballard

Elizabeth J. "Betty" Ballard, age 91, a life long resident of the Little York community passed away at 10:10 pm on Friday May 1, 2020 at the Monmouth Nursing Home. Betty was the fifth of seven children born to Danish immigrants, Andrew and Laura Marie (Nielsen) Bertelsen on May 6, 1928 in Monmouth, Illinois. Betty was raised in Little York where she attended Cedar Creek grade school and graduated from Little York High School in 1946. Betty married Richard A. Ballard on December 28, 1946 after his return from service in World War II. He preceded her in his death on July 16, 2012. Betty was a farm wife and proudly raised six sons. She was also employed in sales at Patton Hardware Store and, later, Martha Brown Ltd. Betty was baptized and confirmed in the First Lutheran Church in Monmouth. She later became a member of the Belmont and Little York Methodist Churches. She was also a member of the Little York Farmerettes for over fifty years and was active in their bazaars and dinner in support of Warren Achievement School. Betty was also active in the Little Cedar United Presbyterian Church and its LOGOS children's program. She is survived by sons, John (Betty) Ballard of Monmouth, Jim (Lolla) Ballard of Monmouth, Joe (Donna) Ballard of Kirkwood, Jeff (Peggy) Ballard, Jay (Jean) Ballard and daughter-in-law Rosie Ballard, all of Little York. There are nineteen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren surviving. Betty's sister, Marty (Carl) Marklevitz of Dorr, Michigan is also surviving. She is preceded in her death by her parents, husband, son Gerald "Jerry", three great grandsons and one great granddaughter.

Friends may call anytime on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 to pay their respects for Betty at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. Social distancing and the recommended guidelines by the CDC are to be observed. Her family plans no time for family visitation. A memorial fund is being established for Warren Achievement of Monmouth. Cremation will then be accorded on Wednesday. A service for the interment of her ashes in Little York Cemetery is to be planned at a later date. 

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