Betty Anne Knickerbocker

Lived with early onset Alzheimer's for the past 19 years, and passed away Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009 in Cumming, Georgia, near her daughter, Christine. Foremost, Betty was a devoted wife and mother. She married her true love Frank Knickerbocker III in 1959. She was born in September 1940 in Dallas, Texas, the oldest child of Virginia and Jack Ballard. A graduate of Sulphur Springs High School, she rose from ticket agent to Dallas city manager for Continental Airlines, then created her own convention and meeting services corporation, and was recognized as small business person of the year for 1989 by the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

She is survived by her children Frank Knickerbocker IV (his spouse Nancy, children Bailey and Tyler) and Christine Welsko (her spouse Don, children Elizabeth and Rachael - married to Brett Turner); her mother Virginia, brother David, and sister Carol with many nephews and nieces and their families. Betty was devoted to her best friend of 45 years Mavis Wright, and will miss their times together. She is preceded in death by her father Jack Ballard and her husband Frank.

Services were held in Dallas, TX. Her family asks that we celebrate Betty's life for the joy, love and courage that she brought to everyone who knew her, and asks in lieu of flowers to consider a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association at this link in her memory: act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChamp-ions?pxfid=22270&pg=fund&frid=1060



Byars Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Cumming, Georgia, 678-455-5815.