Betty Jean Ball

Betty Jean Ball, 81, passed away peacefully at her home of natural causes on July 12, 2026.

Betty was born on September 24, 1944, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Willis Earl Johnson and Jean Derricott Johnson. She was the third of four children: Donald D. Johnson (Alma), Jay E. Johnson (Jana and Cheryl), and Blake James Johnson (Linda). At a young age, her family moved to Shelley, Idaho, where she was raised and graduated from Shelley High School.

On January 31, 1964, Betty married her best friend, Allen Marshall Ball. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple in November 1989, a cherished milestone in their marriage.

Betty and Allen welcomed their first child, a daughter, Teresa Jean, whose life was brief but forever held a special place in their hearts. Teresa passed away at just two days old. They were later blessed with two sons, Michael Allen Ball and Matt Ball, both of Shelley, Idaho.

Nothing brought Betty greater joy than her family. She loved her children with all her heart, and as her family grew, she cherished each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She dedicated her life to serving, caring for, and supporting her family, always putting their needs before her own. Her greatest accomplishment was the loving home she created and the legacy of faith, kindness, and unconditional love she leaves behind.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Betty found great joy in the gospel throughout her life. One of the things that made her especially proud was that both of her sons and each of her grandchildren answered the call to serve full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She considered their faithful service one of the greatest blessings and accomplishments of her family.

Betty will be remembered by her fierce commitment to family (sorry, to all the sports officials), moves on the dance floor, lead foot, and immaculate yard and home. She lived life BIG and FULL. She taught her children and grandchildren how to enjoy life to the fullest.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Allen Marshall Ball; her sons, Michael Allen Ball (Jennifer Hudman) and Matt E Ball (Stephanie Welch); 8 grandchildren (and their spouses) and 11 great-grandchildren; her brother, Donald D. Johnson; extended family; and many dear friends whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her only daughter, Teresa Jean; her parents, Willis Earl Johnson and Jean Derricott Johnson; her brothers, Blake James Johnson and Jay E. Johnson.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a. m. Saturday, July 18, 2026 at the Shelley First Ward Chapel, 184 N Park, Shelley, Idaho. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street, Shelley, Idaho and Saturday morning from 9:00 till 9:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery. 

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