Betty Anne Bale, 88, West Plains, Missouri, passed from this life peacefully at her home on January 22, 2024.
She was born October 14, 1935, at Hanford, California, to Francis and Frank Padilla. Betty was raised in California and, shortly after high school, she met and married the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Bale. The couple resided in California for sixteen years before moving to Chuck’s native Missouri to settle in West Plains in 1971. Together, they raised four children and enjoyed more than fifty years of marriage. While their children were young, Betty was a devoted homemaker. She enjoyed the handcrafted arts and took classes in sewing, ceramics, and cross-stitch. She loved travel as well, which she and her husband, Chuck, did often throughout their marriage. Betty was an avid reader. If her Nook quit working, her grandchildren were immediately called upon to fix it. Regardless of what activity she was enjoying, faith and family have always been her foundation. Faith and family have always been the foundation of Betty’s life. At an early age, Betty was active in the Baptist church. She shared her faith with family and friends in the life that she led. When Betty and Chuck relocated their family to West Plains, Betty was a familiar face at Wal-Mart, where she worked for many years. Later in her life, Betty’s sweet and loving spirit touched many young lives, caring for children in her home. She catered to the unique needs of each child, as if they were her own. Her home provided a warm, nurturing environment that inspired creativity, self-confidence, personal growth, and, most of all, fun! Strong bonds were formed with these children and their parents, which would last throughout the remainder of Betty’s life. Another treasured bond Betty enjoyed was with her furry and loyal companion of fifteen years, her Shih Tzu, Suzie. Some might say the dog’s devoted and feisty spirit reflected Betty’s own. Of course, Betty’s greatest passion was the special connection she shared with her grandchildren. She was the happiest in their company and cherished every moment with them.
Survivors include one son, Daniel Bale; two daughters, Lorerinda Budd and husband, William, and Cheryl Callahan and husband, John; six grandchildren, Kristy Sims, John Ryan Callahan and wife, Madyson, Brianna Callahan, Denise Bale, September Bale, and James Bale; one great-grandson, William Gage Sims; sister-in-law, Barbara Baker; brother-in-law, Gordon Andrews; and nieces, Karen, Kristen, a very special niece Teresa, Andrea, Lori, Carrie, Sheri, and Tina.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bale, one son, James Steven Bale, her parents, one brother, Robert Padilla, sisters-in-law Marie Skinner, Sylvia “Louise” Andrews, and Jean Padilla, brothers-in-law Tom Skinner and Al Baker, and nieces, Karel and Kathy.
Private graveside services will be held at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
