Louise Ballantyne, age 78 of Westhope, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at a Bismarck hospital.  Her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Westhope.

Louise was born into this world in Rugby, North Dakota, on November 14, 1946.  She was the only daughter of Howard Allin and Alma (Kersten) Paul.  Her family moved to Minot when Louise was young.  Minot High is where she would graduate with honors in 1964.  While attending college in Minot, she took a job at Discount King and met a dashing young man named Orlyn.  They were married on October 6, 1965, at McCabe Methodist Church in Bismarck, North Dakota.  The two of them would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this October.  Three boys were born into this marriage: Russell, Jerrad, and Joshua.  These boys, and her whole family, were the most important thing to her.

While her family was growing, Louise was busy taking various roles in the community and the state. She was an Elder and a leader of the Youth Group at the First Presbyterian Church. She was very proud of her appointment by Governor Arthur A. Link to the Commission of the Status of Women from 1974 to 1976.

Louise began her life as a grandmother in 1995- after this, she would always be known as 'Grandma Lou'.  Her grandchildren were her light.  She spoiled them with sweets any chance she could- she always had a tray of cookies and bars ready for her grandkids to visit.  She never said no to a grandchild's or a great-grandchild's request, no matter how absurd it may seem; her grandchildren were also able to get her to smile for photos, and she hated pictures.  They will forever cherish their birthday, Easter, and Valentine cards from their Grandma Lou, where she would write a beautiful message and even make a personalized poem for the occasion.

She is preceded in death by her parents Howard and Alma Paul and brothers Bob, Jim, and Dave Paul.

Louise will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her sense of humor, stubbornness, fun outlook on life, her cooking, and her baking.  Louise is survived by her husband Orlyn; children Russell (Penny) Ballantyne of Westhope, Jerrad (Traci) Ballantyne of Westhope, and Josh (Becky) Ballantyne of Landa; her 6 grandchildren Sage (Garrett) Wible, Hunter Ballantyne, Lakin (Blaine) Cook, Shiloh (Elijah Kelly) Ballantyne, Cain Ballantyne, and Silas Ballantyne; 4 great-grandchildren Bridger, Crew, and Hayes Cook and Jensen Wible; brother Howard Paul, sister-in-law Carolyn (Marlo) Brackelsberg, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family requests memorials to the Westhope Cemetery or a charity of your choice.