Betty LeBlanc Ballard

Betty was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. She passed away at her home with her children at her side on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at 2:17 p.m. She was 79. Visitation at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Friday, Jan. 14, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 15, from 9 a.m. until religious service at noon, conducted by the Rev. Cathy Arends, of Paracletia Inc. Pallbearers will be Blaise Ballard, Scott Jordan, B.J. Vidrine, R.J. Perault, Randy LeBlanc and Jim Clark. Honorary pallbearer is Alvin Ballard. Survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Brenda and Ben Camp, of Walker, and Debbie Vidrine, of Baton Rouge; a son and daughter-in-law, Bernell Ballard Jr. and Sharon Ballard, of Walker; grandchildren, Kristy Barbier, of Little Elm, Texas, Blaise and wife Shana Ballard, Scott and wife Jennifer Jordan, Courtney Vidrine, B.J. Vidrine and Bonnie Vidrine; a great-granddaughter, Riley Jordan, all residing in Baton Rouge; sister and brother-in-law, Larkeal and Roland Perault; brother and two sisters-in-law, Lloyd and Vera LeBlanc, and Annie Laurie LeBlanc; brother-in-law and dedicated lifelong friend, Hebert Ballard; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years Bernell Ballard Sr.; parents, Telasmar and Felicie Cavalier LeBlanc; and two brothers, Clement Anthony LeBlanc and Michael LeBlanc. Betty was a retired hairdresser in Baton Rouge and dedicated many hours to civic organizations, helping with many charitable functions. She loved boating, and playing with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She loved to paint and her paintings filled the homes of her family and friends. Betty loved gardening, especially roses. She never met a stranger and always had a smile for you. She loved her family and friends dearly. Today the world lost one of the truly good people - a lady who viewed the cup as half-full and assumed that people were good on the inside. She believed that you should smile at those you meet and not worry over the response. Betty Ballard was an example of how life should be lived outside of ourselves and with an interest in others. She was always interested in what you had to say, not just for the sake of conversation, but because she truly wanted to know about everyone she met. She truly had the ability to reflect God's love. If you asked her what was important, she might have said, that exercising love and kindness, having moral character and "being sweet" to everyone you meet is the way life is meant to be shared. In loving memory, Betty Ruth LeBlanc Ballard, Jan. 28, 1931 – Jan. 7, 2011.