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Established 1948   Melba Ballou was first and foremost a Christian who loved the Lord. She was known by her friends and loved ones as "a prayer warrior" and was a long-time active member of Park Avenue Church of Christ in Denison, Texas, where she loved attending Ladies' Bible class and the annual Lady's Retreat which she always said was the highlight of her year. She had a servant's heart and a smile that could light up a room - she never met a stranger. She has enriched the lives of all around her and lived her life according to Proverbs 31 which reflects her relationship with God. She had a special place in the heart for the following scriptures - John 11:25 and the beloved 23rd Psalms. She will forever be a voice in our ear and a beat in our hearts. Melba was born in Denison, Texas, daughter of Oran Murble "O.M." Bearden and Deva Myrtle Marie Lutter Curry Bearden where she lived throughout her childhood. She attended Denison High School and upon graduation in 1957 attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas. On September 6, 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, Stanley Gene Ballou, officiated by Stan's uncle, Jim Ballou, at Central Church of Christ in Denison, Texas. She remained by his side for 61 years until his death. She was also preceded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law, Hayston and Mamie Ballou of Denison, Texas; one brother, Ted Bearden of Sherman, Texas; sister-in-law, Johnnie Nell Bearden of Sherman, Texas; one grandson, Christopher Miller of Prosper, Texas; infant granddaughter, Angel Miller of Prosper, Texas; and nieces, Kari Ballou of Richardson, Texas; April Bearden of Sherman, Texas; Tomi Ballou Smith of Denison, Texas; and Lisa Bearden of Sherman, Texas. Melba "finished the race" (Acts 20:24) and passed from this life at the age of 83 on August 23, 2022, at home in Prosper, Texas, surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. She will be greatly missed by her children that adored her, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that lovingly called her "Mawmaw" and "MaMo" along with additional family members and many friends. Prior to moving to Prosper, Melba and Stan lived in their hometown of Denison, Texas. She is survived by her cousin, Bettye Farley Bair of Grand Prairie, Texas, whom she considered her sister; 2 daughters, Robbie Ballou Parks and husband, Mike, of Shreveport, Louisiana; and Tonja Ballou Miller and husband, Bill, of Prosper, Texas; grandchildren: Whitney Lingle of Little Elm, Texas; Wendy Lingle King of Shreveport, Louisiana; Andrew Miller of Carrolton, Texas; Trey Miller and fiance, Taylor Theobald, of Austin, Texas; Addison Miller, of Austin Texas; Jenny Miller of Prosper, Texas; Rachael Thom of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; Michael Parks, Jr. of Mena, Arkansas; great-grandchildren: Cade Coates; Pruitt Coile; Beckett King; Hayston Hoosier; Holden Hoosier; Emma Brown; Callie Miller; Luke Miller; Tyler Miller; and many special friends whom she loved dearly. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, August 27, 2022 at Fisher Funeral Chapel with Minister Todd Catteau officiating. Interment services followed at Cedarlawn Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bill Miller, Drew Miller, Trey Miller, Erik Bearden, Cade Coates, Hayston Hoosier, Pruitt Coile and Beckett King. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Parks and Holden Hoosier. - - - Fisher Funeral Home  Cedarlawn Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |