Betty Lou "Betsy" Ballard, 72 years, of Farmington, Iowa died at 10:36 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at the Great River Hospice House, West Burlington, Iowa. Betsy was born June 29, 1943 at Fort Madison, Iowa, a daughter of Ralph and Cecilia (Bergthold) Dodson. She first married Larry Detrick. They divorced. She then married David S. Ballard. He preceded in death.

She was a 1961 graduate of Fort Madison High School. She first worked at the Army Ammunition Plant; then spent time raising her family. Later she went back to work and worked for Motorola/Celestica until the plant closed in 2005. She then took the opportunity to go to college and earned an Associate of Arts Degree in accounting at Southeastern Community College. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Farmington. She enjoyed hunting, reading, mushroom hunting, watching sports on TV, and playing cards with friends. Spending time with her family was very important to her.

She is survived by three daughters: Melanie (Richard) O'Neill, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Deb (Tim) Stookesberry, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; and Linda (Kevin) Barton, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; two sons, Lewis (Dawn) Ballard, Bettendorf, Iowa and Benjamin (Ana) Ballard, Farmington, Iowa; four brothers: Ben (Bonnie) Dodson, Montrose, Iowa; Bill (Chris) Dodson, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Bob (Delores) Dodson, Africa; and Ray (Nancy) Dodson, Plover, Wisconsin; two sisters, Carol (Jim) Holtkamp, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and Doris (Ralph) Kassmeyer, West Point, Iowa; 13 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, David.

Per her wishes, her body has been cremated. No visitation will be held. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Friday, October 30, 2015 at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Farmington, Iowa, with Reverend Dennis Hoffman as Celebrant. Her family will greet friends at a meal following the mass at the church hall. A memorial has been established for the Great River Hospice House, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel and Cremation Services or the church during the services.