Betty Louise Ballinger

Betty Louise Ballinger, a beloved longtime resident of Logan County, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the age of 102. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, friend and servant to her community, Betty lived a remarkable life rooted in faith, family and service to others. Viewing will be held Thursday, September 3rd from 1-6 at Halouska Family Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. The family will be present from 4:30 to 6. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 4th at First Baptist Church in Sterling with Pastor Scott Morrison, Pastor John Roberts, and Selby Batty officiating. A burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Betty was born June 23, 1924, in Lima, Ohio, to Herbert and Margaret Reeder. After her mother’s death in September of that year, she was adopted by Leon (Hap) and Chloe Reeder. She spent most of her early years in Ohio. After her graduation in 1942, the family moved to Colorado, which would become her lifelong home.

In December 1942, Betty married Virg Ballinger. They began their married life farming in Crook and Padroni. There they welcomed three daughters Judy, Sandy and Sue. In 1959, Betty and Virg purchased Johnson’s Grocery Store in Padroni. Also in 1959, Betty began serving as Postmaster in Padroni, a position she held for 20 years. She later served as Postmaster in Iliff until her retirement in 1999.


Betty devoted her life to serving her community and helping others. She was active in the Home Demonstration Club, taught Bible School, helped organize the community suppers, and hosted a “Good News Club” for local children. In retirement, she continued serving others through 14 years of volunteering at Sterling Regional Med Center, visiting residents at Devonshire Acres and continuing two Bible study groups in her home. Her dedication to Logan County was recognized with the Sterling Lions Club Pioneer Award.

Her faith remained central throughout her life. Betty attended First Baptist Church in Sterling where she continued to participate in Bible study and fellowship until her death. She cooked Thanksgiving dinners for parishioners well into her 90s.

Betty was also a passionate sports fan. She faithfully watched the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and Denver Nuggets and rarely missed a game. One of her greatest joys was attending the sporting events of her great-grandchildren and cheering them on from the stands.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virg Ballinger; daughters Judy Szabo and Sue Fowler; and former sons-in-law Micky Szabo and Ken Lamoreaux.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Sandy Montano of Sterling, CO; grandchildren Heidi (John) Doupe of Piedmont, SD, Scott (Michele) Szabo of Sterling, CO, Dan (Sherri) Szabo of Broomfield, CO, and Doug (Connie) Lamoreaux of Topsham, ME; great-grandchildren Aaron Doupe (Ashley), Lauren Harton (Jesse), Owen Szabo, Zach Szabo, Madelyn Szabo, McKenna Lamoreaux and Cambell Lamoreaux; and great-great-grandson Levi Doupe.

Lunch will be served following the burial. Please join the family to share your memories of Grandma Betty. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 915 S. 8th Ave., Sterling, CO 80751.