Rebecca “Beckie” Renae Ballard, 62, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 25, 2025, surrounded by her children and loved ones.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri. A celebration of life and time of sharing will follow at 2:30 p.m., also at the funeral home.
Born on May 5, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Dwayne Nuttall and Doris J. Adams, Beckie was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She found her greatest joy and calling in caring for children. After the birth of her youngest son, she opened her own daycare business, which she ran for 25 years with compassion and dedication. Known affectionately as “Nanny,” she nurtured and shaped the lives of countless children, many of whom remained in touch with her long after outgrowing her care.
Beckie had a zest for life and a heart full of love. She and her mother were not only mother and daughter but also best friends. Together, they taught country line dancing lessons, worked side by side in her mother’s flower business, shared many lucky nights at the casino, and enjoyed warm summer days around the pool. Beckie had a wide range of passions. She never missed an episode of Survivor or a Kansas City Chiefs game, and she could talk on the phone for hours—especially with her daughter McKendra. She found joy in music, playing the piano, and listening to her father’s guitar. She cherished going to concerts with her daughters—311, Fleetwood Mac, and Kid Rock among her favorites—and was always ready for an adventure, particularly to Florida and New Orleans. Beckie was a prankster at heart, and her son Kody was often both her partner and her playful adversary in many memorable prank wars. Family dinners were filled with laughter and delicious food, from her famous tacos to her beloved fried green tomatoes. She especially treasured going out for fancy dinners and never passed up a slice of cheesecake.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, Dwayne and Doris, and her brother, Dennis Moretine.
She is survived by her husband, Kendall Ballard, of the home; her children: Amy Turner (Brad), Carlton Rice, McKendra Ballard, and Kody Ballard (Aubree), all of Blue Springs; stepdaughters: Ashley Ballard of Kearney, and Cassie Ballard of Independence; six cherished grandchildren: Sydne, Mason, Emilio, Enrique “Javi,” Luna, and Mia; her sister, Deborah Doyle of Independence; and her beloved dog, Wizz.
Beckie’s life was one of deep love, strong faith, boundless energy, and joyful mischief. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion to family. Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441