Betty Jean Ballard, 78, of Poteau, OK, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2010, in McKinney, TX. She was born May 2, 1932, in Kansas City, MO, to Ferd and Cora (Koenig) Skouby. Betty Skouby married L.G. Ballard, Jr. on November 9, 1952, in Kansas City. She enjoyed working for the Poteau Public School system for twenty seven years, mostly as the Poteau Primary Secretary. Betty was a treasured member of the Poteau Musical Arts Society and volunteered at the Peachtree Hospice and for Meals on Wheels. She was a faithful member of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Poteau, joyfully serving in the music ministry.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents.

Betty is survived by a son Richard Lee Ballard, Sr. and his wife Kathy of McKinney, TX; a daughter, Pennie Curtis and her husband Gary of Texarkana, TX; six grandchildren, Richard Lee, Jr. and (Ashleigh) Ballard, Bryan and (Courtney) Ballard, Michelle and (Matt) Humber, Timothy Ballard, Jeremy Curtis, and Chad Curtis, six great grandchildren; as well as many other family, friends and loved ones.
Pallbearers will be Rick Ballard, Jr., Bryan Ballard, Tim Ballard, Matt Humber, Chad Curtis, Jeremy Curtis. Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Cole, Kip Klutts, Paul Speak, Charles Little III and Steve Holder,
Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Poteau. Interment will follow the service at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau. The family will greet friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home of Poteau. You may leave an on-line message at www.gracemanorfh.com