Bethel Ballard

Bethel B. Ballard, 83, of Fayetteville, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at home and was pronounced on Saturday, June 14, 2025. A cherished member of the Fayetteville community for nearly six decades, Bethel was born on September 30, 1941, in Webster County, West Virginia, to the late Grover Ireland Sutton and Thelma Starcher Sutton.

A devoted nurse with a deep well of compassion, Bethel spent over 30 years caring for elderly patients in nursing homes throughout Fayette County. Her commitment to service extended far beyond her profession. A faithful member of Fayetteville Baptist Church for more than 50 years, she held numerous volunteer roles, including Superintendent of Sunday School, pouring love and guidance into every generation she encountered.

She was also a proud and active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as Worthy Grand Matron. Her leadership, grace, and quiet strength left a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of serving alongside her.

Above all, Bethel was a devout Christian, whose relationship with Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. Her greatest mission was to teach, inspire, and pray for her family, community, and those who did not yet know Christ. She longed for everyone she encountered to come to know the Lord and serve Him faithfully. Her faith shaped every aspect of her character—from how she loved her family to how she served her neighbors.

Few others exemplify the title “Matriarch” more than Bethel. She possessed a deep and unwavering sense of family and lived by the guiding words of John Wesley:

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can,

in all the places you can, at all the times you can,

to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

This was not merely a sentiment for her—it was how she lived, loved, led, and worshiped.

Bethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 60 years, Donald F. Ballard; her eldest son, Donald I. Ballard; her parents, Grover and Thelma Sutton; her brother, Burnell Sutton; and her sister, Patricia Hudson.

She is survived by her loving sons, Allen Ballard (Roxanna) and Gary Ballard (Terri), both of Fayetteville; and her seven grandchildren: Joshua Ballard of Fayetteville, Ethan Ballard (Katie) of Scott Depot, Mollie Gyurek (Ryan) of Ansted, Zachary Tygrett of Oak Hill, Peyton Ballard (Mykah) of Oak Hill, Allie Ballard of Fayetteville, and Cason Tygrett Ballard of Fayetteville.

Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom she loved dearly and inspired deeply.

Visitation with the family will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service celebrating Bethel’s life at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Fayetteville Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a cause close to her heart.