Betty Ishmael

Betty Jo Ishmael, 90, passed away Wednesday morning, October 8th, 2025 in Independence, Kentucky. She was born on January 26th, 1935 to Cecil Stanley Ballard and Ida Frances (Harrison) Ballard.

Betty grew up helping her family farm. She graduated from Crittenden High School in 1953. Before graduating, she worked as the city clerk on the recommendation of a teacher. After graduating, she worked in Cincinnati as a teller at Central Trust Bank, then at Beneficial Finance. For decades she proudly worked out of her own home as a childcare provider for several children. She was a member of the Latonia Baptist Church. Betty enjoyed collecting keepsakes, cooking and baking, vacationing at the beach, and taking care of her many pets. Her favorite pastimes included reading, stargazing, catching up with friends, going to drive-in movies, and cheering for the Cincinnati Reds and Kentucky basketball with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Griffey; her son, James David Ishmael; and one grandson, Nicholas David Griffey. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, John Ballard; four sisters: Irene Stewart, Mary Frances Ballard, Minnie Marie Gordon, and Beulah Elizabeth Moses; and her husband, Norman Eugene Ishmael, whom she married in 1963 at Sherman Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held 5-7 PM on October 16th, with funeral service immediately after, at Elliston-Stanley Funeral Home in Crittenden. Burial will be at 12:30 PM on October 17th in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Taylor Mill.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Easterseals Redwood, 7627 Ewing Blvd, Florence, KY  41042 or St. Elizabeth Hospice. St. Elizabeth Foundation,  1 Medical Village, Edgewood, KY  41017.