Mary Beth Ballew

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Service Schedule
Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church
1723 Schaer Street
Little Rock, AR  72114
Monday, September 15, 2014
1 PM
Memorial Contributions
Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church
1723 Schaer Street
North Little Rock, AR  72114
Mary Beth Ballew

of Little Rock, AR

July 21, 1923 - September 11, 2014

Mary Beth Ballew, 91, of Little Rock died September 11, 2014. She was born in Jonesboro, AR on July 21, 1923 to Cecil and Tessie Childs.

She was educated in Jonesboro schools until her senior year, when she attended and graduated from Los Angeles High School in California. She moved back to Jonesboro to attend Arkansas State University.

She married Rudolph Richard Ballew on November 30, 1945 in Jonesboro. Dick and Mary Beth lived most of their married life in North Little Rock, raising their three children there. Dick remained her adoring husband for over 63 years until his death March 8, 2009. They spent some of their retirement years with family in Anchorage, Alaska and Wichita, Kansas before returning to Arkansas. They were life-long members of Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church in North Little Rock.

Our lives have all been so completely enriched and blessed by having known her as our Mother, Mentor, and Friend. Her willingness to tackle life's challenges with optimism and inner strength set an impressive example for those close to her. Through her daily prayer life, she found great support and solace in her faith in God. She taught us all the finest human values by how she lived her life, as a faithful Christian with love, compassion, strength, and courage. These were the mottos by which she lived her life: ''Hold your head up high. Look to God and the stars. Do your best. Never, never give up.''

After her children were grown, Mary Beth re-entered the workforce with North Little Rock City Services Model Cities Program. Following this, she spent 15 years as a manager in the North Little Rock Housing Authority. She mentored many young women and was always ready to lend a listening ear. She loved to laugh at a good story; cheer on the Dallas Cowboys, Razorbacks, Miami Heat, and Oklahoma City Thunder; and she really enjoyed a good Mexican restaurant. Always an avid reader, she kept up with breaking world news through television, newspapers, and lively discussions. Friends often sought her sage wisdom and practical advice.

Mary Beth exuded love through her gorgeous, bright blue eyes and beautiful smile. When asked recently to comment on what value is most important in life, without hesitation she answered, ''Love is the most important thing in this life.''

She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Dick; son, Blake; son-in-law, Kenny Taylor; and only sibling, Ralph Childs. Remaining to cherish her memory are her two beloved daughters, Anne Taylor of Little Rock and Peggy Jacobsen (Jake) of Fredericksburg, VA; grandsons, James R. McNeill (Marji) and Benjamin Jacobsen; granddaughter, Elizabeth Jacobsen; and great-grandson, Christopher McNeill.

The memorial service will be at 1:00 P.M., Monday, September 15, 2014 at Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church, 1723 Schaer Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114, (501)374-9520. Interment will be private. Arrangements are with Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)224-8300.

Memorials may be made to Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church.

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4 Condolence(s)
Erica Taylor
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, September 22, 2014

I was blessed to have known Mary Beth. She was one of my dearest friends. I love her still and will forever cherish her memory. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to be there in her last days. She will be truly missed.

Erica

Diane Haynes
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, September 15, 2014

I only heard the news about your Mom late Monday afternoon, Anne, and I'm so very sorry to know you've lost your precious mother. Keep all those wonderful memories of her close to your heart because she'll be with you forever. Take care.

Betty Westbrook
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Monday, September 15, 2014

Wishing peace and comfort for this beautiful family. Mary Beth was a bright shining star to all who knew her. Her boundless love and zest for life were an inspiration to me. Mary Beth......a life well lived.

Jane Williams Richey
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, September 13, 2014

Mary Beth has been my brilliant and dear friend since my first job after college when I was 23 and she 46 years old. She and her family were so welcoming to me in their home and lives. She was my strength and counsel through a divorce, death of my parents and adjusting to being a widow like herself. She taught me the power of prayer, how to practice patience and tolerance with irritating people and most of all to find positive value in life through laughter and enjoyment of sports. She was one of a kind special and loving and I will cherish and miss her every day of my life. My sympathy to all her family, Jane W. Richey