Laura Patricia “Patti” Ballew was born to Fred and Minnis Couch on November 23, 1939, in Fannin County, Georgia.
She is preceded in death by her sister, JoAnn Davis, and brother, Jimmy Couch.
The love of her life survives her, her husband of 64 years, Lake Frank “Benny” Ballew, identical twin sister, Margaret Ponedia “Penny” Welch, and daughters, Kim Sharee Smartt, Tracy Dawn Whitehead (Brad), and Tricia Ann Sumpter (Andy). Patti’s six grandchildren were extremely special in her heart: Sydney Barnes (Morgan), Logan Spindle (Lauren), Tristan Sumpter (Becca), Nicole Smartt, Trinity Sumpter, and Colton Sumpter.
Patti grew up in Ducktown, Tennessee. After graduating from Copper Basin High School, she and Penny moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she met Benny shortly afterward. They married in 1960 and bought their first home in Clarkston, where they resided for 43 years.
Patti worked for Puritan Chemical Company and later the IRS. Her favorite place of employment was McLendon Elementary School, where her three daughters attended. She was an active volunteer before accepting a full-time position as a Media Center Clerk. After 19 years, she retired from the school system.
Her later years were spent at Lake Oconee, where Patti and Benny built their second home. She loved fishing off the dock and was quite good at it. They have made countless memories with dear friends. On any given day, Patti could be found at Bunko, Couple’s Cards, or exercising with her friends.
They often traveled with family and friends to Biloxi, where Patti was having fun at the Blackjack table or on the slot machines. Patti and Benny made their church home at Crossroads Baptist. A celebration of life was held at Crossroads Baptist Church on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
The visitation was held at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00, 106 S Wesley Chapel Road, Eatonton, GA. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.