Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound – 
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, 
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Thru many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, 
And grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

   Ruth Abbott Ballew, 92, of Mexico, died at 11:15 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2003, at Pin Oaks Nursing Center in Mexico.
   
   Mrs. Ballew was born on March 31, 1911, in Clarence, the daughter of Asa T. and Nelle Abbott Hopper. On February 19, 1932, in Plattsburg, she married Walter Roy Ballew, who died on May 7, 1969. Mrs. Ballew had been the secretary at Beltone Hearing Aids in Mexico. She was a member of First Christian Church, Chapter DK, P.E.O., and the Order of Eastern Star.

   Survivors include one son, Creel Ballew and his wife, Ann, Mexico; three grandchildren, Todd Ballew, St. Paul, Minn., Marc Ballew, Palestine, Texas, and Cheryl Ballew, Austin, Texas; five great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, all in Texas.

   In addition to her husband, one sister, Marjorie Hopper Elbe, preceded her in death.

   Visitation will be on Wednesday from noon until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. A family graveside service will follow with the Rev. Randall A. Sawyer officiating.

   The family suggests memorial gifts be sent to the Mexico Animal Shelter 101 South Morris, Mexico, MO 65265.

 Pickering Funeral Home  
Caring Service Since 1884