Mary Alice Burnett

Mary A Ballard Burnett of Hylton, Texas passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2011 after a brief illness. Born in San Angelo, Texas on December 18, 1934 to David and Dora Mae McGill, she grew up on her parent’s ranch at Hovey, Texas between Fort Stockton and Alpine Texas. After graduating from Alpine High School, she received with a degree in education from Sul Ross State University in 1956. While attending the university, she met and later married Bill Ballard. Mary proved to be an exceptional school teacher and taught in Garden City, Fairview/Wall, Christoval, and Fort Stockton schools for 35 years before retiring to work full time at their family businesses Fort Stockton.

She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, 4-H, Hovey 42 Club and loved to entertain friends and family. Her quick wit and lively personality endeared her to all.

Following the loss of Bill, her husband of 35 years, Mary married Cliff Burnett, a long-time friend from college. The couple moved to their ranch near Hyton, Texas where they enjoyed spoiling their grand children. She and Cliff enjoyed their mutual love of travel and spent many hours playing bridge with friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents David and Dora Mae McGill, her husband Bill Ballard, daughter Mary Beth Ballard and sister, Davelyn Neidhardt, and Missy Hollingsworth.

Family members include husband Cliff Burnett of Hylton, sister Sixie and Charlie Davis, daughters Becky Allison and husband Will of Sonora, Billie Tjaden of San Angelo and Linda Williams of San Angelo, Dee Burnett of Atlanta, Georgia, son Brad and Ida Burnett of Decatur, Texas and Lea

Ann Burnett. Grandchildren are Hanna and David Blesing, Serena Allison, Britni and Taylor Tjaden, Lucky Hollingsworth, Zane, Keeley and Brant Burnett, Emory and Nicole Luther, Georgia, Graceland, and Joey Waller and nephews in addition to numerous dear and cherished friends.

Family visitation will be held on Monday, January 17, 2011 at Johnson’s Funeral Home from 4 to 6 PM. Funeral service will be at 10 AM on Tuesday, January 18, 2001 at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel. Pallbearers for the service will be Taylor Tjaden, Will Allison, Dr. Jimmy Neidhardt,Tanner Neidhardt, David Morgan , David Blesing and Brad Burnett. Honorary Pallbearers will be the grandchildren.

Burial will be on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at East Hill Cemetery at Fort Stockton at 10 AM.

Family and friends may sign an online guest book at johnsons-funeralhome.com