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Kathy Laverne (Tully) Ballard
Kathy Laverne (Tully) Ballard, 73, of Malvern, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Born to William Howard Tully and Frances Mae Newcomb Tully on July 30, 1952, Kathy was the oldest of three children. She was a 1971 graduate of Benton High School and a member of Highway Church of Christ. With an adventurous spirit and strong work ethic, Kathy embraced a wide variety of professions over the years. Much of her spare time for the last several years was spent with family or at the Saline County Moose Lodge where she enjoyed spending time with her friends and playing in competitive pool tournaments.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Connie Padgett of Magnet Cove; two sons Tim (Melanie) Padgett of Malvern and Scott Padgett of Austin, TX; sister Lynette (Tom) O’Neal of Paris, TX; brother Michael Tully of Magnet Cove; ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Kathy was well-loved by everyone who knew her and always greeted her friends and family with a smile and a big hug.
Cremation services will be provided by Ashby Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charitable organizations of Saline County Moose Lodge #2567, notated “In memory of Kathy Ballard.”
Tanner Miles
In Loving Memory of Tanner Miles
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Tanner Miles, a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend whose life left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Tanner graduated from Pleasant Grove High School, where he helped lead his baseball team to a Texas State Championship and later a State Runner-Up finish. His passion for the game carried him to the University of Arkansas, where he continued pursuing baseball with the same determination, competitive spirit, and unwavering drive that defined his life.
Beyond baseball, Tanner embraced every opportunity for adventure. He loved duck hunting, was a competitive wakeboarder, and found peace and joy on the golf course. One of his favorite stories to tell was accomplishing what few ever experience—hitting a walk-off home run and making a hole-in-one. Those moments reflected not only his talent, but also his love for competition, friendship, and making memories that would last a lifetime.
As remarkable as his accomplishments were, they are not what those who knew him will remember most.
Tanner had a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. He brightened every room he walked into. Whether he was telling a story, making everyone laugh, or simply showing up for the people he loved, Tanner had a way of making every moment better just by being there. His smile was infectious, his quick wit could make anyone laugh, and his genuine kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His love for others was contagious, and he had an extraordinary ability to turn strangers into friends and friends into family. If you knew Tanner, you knew you were loved.
More than anything, Tanner loved deeply and lived wholeheartedly. He was fiercely loyal, generous with his time, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. His legacy will not be measured by championships won or milestones achieved, but by the countless lives he touched through his compassion, humor, loyalty, and unwavering love.
Tanner is survived by his loving parents, Alan and Tina Miles; his brother, Dalton Miles; his grandparents, Donnie and Kathie; his aunt and uncle, Bill and Katie Hix; his aunt and uncle, Pamela and John Blair; his cousins, Brittney and Brett Colley and Kyle and Chelsea Faught; along with many extended family members and countless dear friends who will forever cherish his memory and carry his spirit with them.
Although our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the time we were blessed to share with Tanner. The light he brought into this world will continue to shine through the lives he touched. His laughter will echo in our memories, his love will remain in our hearts, and his legacy will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Until we meet again, you will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
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Betty Joyce Sanford
Betty Joyce Sanford, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on March 13, 1935, to Lola Woodall and Frank Moore, Betty lived a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion to her family. She was known for her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, and unwavering kindness. Betty’s warmth and grace touched the lives of all who knew her.
For 74 wonderful years, Betty shared a loving marriage with her devoted husband, Leonard Sanford. Together they built a home centered on faith, commitment, and unconditional love, creating a lasting legacy for their family.
Betty was a faithful Christian whose greatest joy came from serving the Lord and caring for those she loved. She cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and found fulfillment in creating a welcoming home where family always came first.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lola Woodall and Frank Moore; her beloved son, Dave Sanford and her daughter, Lori Ann Morrison.
She leaves behind her loving husband of 74 years, Leonard Sanford; her cherished grandchildren, Susan (TJ) Douglas, Jason (April) Behar, Jamie (Brandon) Ball, and Max (Elton) Farr; numerous great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Hospice Home Care for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Betty and her family throughout her illness.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Zion Hill Church of God.
A celebration of Betty’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Zion Hill Church of God, with burial to follow at Fairplay Cemetery in Benton.
Arrangements are entrusted to Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home of Benton.
Betty’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, and selfless devotion to her family. Her gentle heart, steadfast faith, and caring spirit will continue to live on in the lives of those she loved. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration for all who were blessed to know her.
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