Bette I Ballard passed away on Friday, Aug. 20, at Harney District Hospital in Burns. She was 90 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband Layton Ballard in 1996, after 46 years of marriage.

Elizabeth (Bette) Irene Bradach was born in Biwabik, Minn. to Frank and Dora Bradach on February 14, 1931. Bette lived most of her childhood in the town of Aurora in Minnesota’s Iron Range. The family relocated to Burns in 1946. In Burns, she met Layton Ballard and in 1950 they were married.

Following the path of Layton’s career, they left Burns in the early 50’s with the first two of their four children in tow. However, Bette returned to the town of her youth in 2008.

Bette had several passions beyond family, and those passions shaped her life. Her love of art was always a driving force. Bette was an accomplished painter and pastel artist. She not only shared her work, she shared her talent.

From Portland to Wyoming, and back to Portland, Bette either belonged to an art guild or started one if none were available. A two-car garage full of artists, easels and the occasional whiff of linseed oil was a common occurrence in the Ballard home.

Bette also had a love of music, and enjoyed her time at the piano. From get together’s with family and friends to an occasional Church service, she loved sharing this art form as much as the canvas. In her later years, Bette gave music lessons at the Youth Correctional Facility in Harney County.

Bette held several office jobs in her working career. From bookkeeping and secretarial work in the Portland area to City Clerk in a small Wyoming town, Bette has some stories to tell. Her last 10 years were with Portland General Electric, until she retired in the mid 80s.

My siblings and I cannot count the number of cousins, second-cousins and other relatives who needed a fresh start, and found it in the family guest room. Connecting with family, friends, business contacts, and with the approval of our father, starting a new life in Portland created some rare and life-changing opportunities.

Bette also had a strong faith in God, the Christian faith and the life of Jesus Christ. Together with Layton, they instilled the Christian faith in their children in such a way that we are all assured we will see each other again.

Bette is survived by four children, Patty Ballard, Cris Bolan, Sue Zaitz and Tom Ballard; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Joanne Hofman; and brother, George Bradach. Bette was preceded in death by brothers, Francis Bradach and Robert Bradach.

A celebration of Bette Ballard’s life will be scheduled for September, TBD.