Betty Ballenger

Betty Ballenger

July 26, 1934 - March 10, 2024

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Obituary

Betty Jean Ballenger, age 89, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Madison, WI. She was born on July 26, 1934, to Robert and Esther (Dyrud) Ballenger in Elroy, WI.

Betty worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years at Madison General Hospital which is now Meriter Hospital. She was a diehard fan of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers and was very proud of her Wisconsin heritage.

Betty enjoyed crafting and participating in craft fairs throughout the Madison area. She also knitted more than 2,000 Christmas stockings for family and friends; these have become treasured parts of our holiday celebrations. She loved chewing gum, reading, and Betty always had a stack of People magazines to share.

Betty is survived by her nephews, Butch (Judy) Kahler, Mike (Tam) Kahler, Tom (Theresa St. Cin) of Chandler, AZ and Don (Polly) Kahler of Rockford, IL; great nephews and nieces, Matt, Lindsey, Emma, Kristi, Katie, Casey, Ross, Jacob, Allison, and their families; brother Carl (Marina) Ballenger. Barbara Lafferty and Carolyn Wright have been such special friends to Betty, especially over the past several years. The team at Oak Park Place Skilled Nursing Facility provided dedicated, compassionate care as well.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother Robert Ballenger; sister, Mary Kahler; brother-in-law, Richard Kahler; great niece, Jamaelyn; and her beloved dog, Packer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Elroy City Cemetery in Elroy, Wisconsin.

Memorials in Betty’s honor can be made to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin (https://www.secondharvestsw.org/) or Fetch Wisconsin Rescue (fetchwi.org/donate).

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

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Clinton Richardson
Other •
Betty was my neighbor at 'Morningside on the Green '...she was a friendly welcoming voice and became a friend to me and the disabled man that I serve. We are glad to have known such a kind person, and wish her family well..
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Carol Byrd
Other •
My dear friend Miss Betty may you rest in peace. I first met Betty when she took care of my Grandmother in the 1970's we became family she watched my sons and grandchildren grow up. We are proud to have 7 of her hand knitted Christmas stockings. I was proud to attend craft shows with her. She was a pistol and a half but just the kindest lady to have as a friend. My deepest sympathy to her family whom I know she loved very dearly. Always your friend Carol Byrd
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Alinda Nelson
Other •
I've known Betty for over 57 years! She was so proud of her nephews, and I've followed their families with her. Our family received many of her Christmas stockings. Her dog, Packer, was very special to her.
MV
Maria Varsho
Other •
she was a great nurse and a great friend and will be sorely missed by many. Love you Maria , Ralph and Justice Varsho

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