Bobbe Jeanne Ballagh

Bobbe Jeanne Cole Ballagh, loving mother and Nana, went to her heavenly home on February 21, 2026. She was born in Renfrow, OK on November 15, 1948 to Robert Lewis Cole and Wanda June Walker Cole.

Growing up, she loved horses and farming and attended Deer Creek Schools. She attended Oklahoma Christian College, then received an Associate's degree in Business at Tonkawa Junior College (NOC) in 1968 where she was a member of The Roustabouts, before marrying the love of her life.

She married Kenneth Joe Ballagh, on July 26, 1968. They soon had 3 children – Jeffrey Ken, Julie Kim and Jill Kaylynn– and their world was supposed to be set.

She endured more than most at a very young age, with the soon unexpected passing of her loving husband very early in their marriage. This left her with three young children, ages 2, 4 and 6, to raise on her own - with the outpouring of love from family and friends along the way. She loved her children with everything that she had – Jeff, Julie and Jill - and protected them fiercely. They might not have had much at all, but it was a house built on love – and that is all that they needed.

While working to create a stable and secure home for her children, they moved from Deer Creek, OK to Ada, OK so she could attend East Central University and be closer to family. Especially dear to her was her sister-in-law and best friend, Cinda Bailey – as they raised their 7 children together with many lively stories to share. She completed her Bachelor's in Education while raising her small children. She later received a Master's degree in Counseling at nights, working multiple jobs to get herself through school.

She got her first teaching job, finishing out a 4th grade class year – in which Julie was in at the time. She then got hired and started her lifelong career as an educator with the Byng School District. She taught 1st grade for many years, teaching over 300+ students – some even of her adored nieces and nephews - how to read. She was also known as the best "tooth puller" around, and who knows how many she did through the years.

After she got her Master's degree and certification in Counseling, she transitioned to a school counseling position for many years until later becoming the Principal of Homer Elementary School in the same Byng School District. She had over 600 students a year, many teachers she mentored, and valuable staff members – in which she loved and adored each one. She had a heart of service and dedication which is often told and seen through all the stories people have of her. It is so very often that we hear, "she was the best teacher" or "she was the best boss/mentor" that I ever had. This makes her children so proud, as she was the best Mom also for all 3 of her children and the best Nana for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She retired after many years of service to education in 2006, and moved to Keller, Texas to be closer to family and some of her grandchildren. Then in 2011, she then split time and moved back to Ponca City, OK near where she knew as home. She spent these after retirement years getting grandkids through some critical years and entered her next role of full-time Nana, confidant and tutor. She was not easy on them, her teacher still came out everywhere she turned. She adored every grandchild and they were her world – and they loved and adored their Nana.

Along the way, she also got her pilot's license and had a fond love of flying. She would also critique and score the pilot getting off of every flight she was on, whether they wanted it or not. She loved basketball and was the #1 fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team. Winning the NBA Championship in 2025, was a highlight for her. We know she will now be "coaching" them along the way. She loved OU and OSU sports, splitting her time – to support all her family, because that is just who she was.

She lived a servant filled life, nurturing others and honoring God. She made sure her children were in church, every time the doors were open – and created a foundation for their life. She was a devoted member of Central Church of Christ in Ada, Ok – Legacy Church of Christ, North Richland Hills, TX and Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, Ponca City, OK. She served in every way that she could, and touched many lives in the process. A life well done, Mama – well done.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Joe Ballagh, on May 9th, 1976, while he has patiently waited for his beautiful bride for the last 50 years – and a grandson, Trevyn Hunter Snow on October 24, 1993. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lewis Cole and Wanda June Cole, as well as Kenny's parents Kenneth Calvin Ballagh and Cora Evelyn Ballagh. We know the reunions were something to see and she is holding all the babies and children right now.

She is survived by her loving children and spouses – Jeff Ballagh (and Karen), Julie Barker (and Jerry) and Jill Parks (and Brandon). Her treasures on earth were her grandchildren and spouses – Brent Ballagh (Anna); Wade Ballagh (Katzee); Carly Ballagh, Charlea Jones (Stevie); Brady Snow (Alyx); Caty Snow (Kyle); Olivia Barker; Payton Hilger (Jarron) and Presley Parks. She had pure joy with her greats as well – Cooper Jones and Jolea Cate Jones, as well as a new baby boy on the way - in which she prayed for daily.

She is also survived by her brother Derry Cole (Ronda) and her sister Diane Foreman (Tom) – as well as Kenny's family – which always remained a solid support system for her and her children through all the years. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as friend - in which she loved and adored deeply.

Services for Bobbe will be held in Ada, OK at Criswell Funeral Home on February 26th, 2026 at 10:00 am. Graveside burial will be this same afternoon at Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City, OK at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, Ponca City, OK, 74601. Funds to be used for the We Care program, a ministry that serves underprivileged families in the community, and one that she devoted many years and believed in strongly.