Betty Lou (Ballard) Messenger, 85, of Plato, was born June 29, 1938, in Marion, Ohio to Carlos Allan and Anna Belle Ballard and died Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. She is survived by her husband James Messenger of the home; her children, James Messenger Jr. (Melinda) of Cabool, Rodney Messenger (Megan Jackson of Poplar Bluff, Terry Messenger (Alice) of Jefferson City, Todd Messenger (Veronica) of Rolla; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2024, at Palace Church. Burial will follow in Cedar Bluff Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home of Houston. Memorial contributions may be made to the Palace Church, Plato Church of Helping Handz in memory of Betty.
