Kathy Laverne (Tully) Ballard, 73, of Malvern, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Born to William Howard Tully and Frances Mae Newcomb Tully on July 30, 1952, Kathy was the oldest of three children. She was a 1971 graduate of Benton High School and a member of Highway Church of Christ. With an adventurous spirit and strong work ethic, Kathy embraced a wide variety of professions over the years. Much of her spare time for the last several years was spent with family or at the Saline County Moose Lodge where she enjoyed spending time with her friends and playing in competitive pool tournaments.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Connie Padgett of Magnet Cove; two sons Tim (Melanie) Padgett of Malvern and Scott Padgett of Austin, TX; sister Lynette (Tom) O'Neal of Paris, TX; brother Michael Tully of Magnet Cove; ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Kathy was well-loved by everyone who knew her and always greeted her friends and family with a smile and a big hug.

Cremation services will be provided by Ashby Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charitable organizations of Saline County Moose Lodge #2567, notated "In memory of Kathy Ballard."