It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Deborah (Debi) Sue Ballard on February 21, 2026. Debi was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas on August 29, 1952, but lived in Hurst, TX most of her adult life. She was surrounded by the love of her family and dear friends in her final days.
Debi was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Buxton and her father, Burl Turner and her grandparents and many aunts and uncles whom she loved dearly.
She leaves behind her husband, Kim Ballard; her sons Matthew Griffin (Ashley); Tyler Griffin (Kara); her granddaughter Julie Griffin and grandson Rowan Griffin; her stepdaughter Amber Broughton; stepson Kreg Ballard (Katie); her step-grandchildren, Parker, Paxton, Kevyn, Cullen, Kieran; half-brothers George Buxton (Julie) and Bart Turner and her best friend for 58 years, Karen White, whom she considered her sister. Her family was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.
Debi dedicated 42 years to Frito-Lay/Pepsico, where she built lasting friendships and earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside her. She was dependable, hardworking, and the kind of person you could always count on. Whatever she did, she gave it her whole heart.
As a recipient of the prestigious Chairman's Award and PepsiCo's Finance Finest, Debi's leadership spanned decades of transformation: from the centralization efforts of the 1970s and the first wave of automation in the 80s, to the rapid growth of the 90s, the sophisticated system upgrades of the 2000s, and the cutting-edge digitalization of the 2010s.
Affectionately known as the "go-to" person for business system design and new technology implementation, Debi possessed an uncanny ability to deconstruct complex problems into streamlined, optimized solutions. Her dedication was exemplary and relentless. Beyond her technical brilliance, Debi was a mentor at heart. Debi leaves footprints on our hearts forever!
Outside of work, Debi found happiness in the simple things - decorating her home, tending to her garden, listening to music and dancing whenever she had the chance. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren, creating memories that will live on in their hearts forever.
Debi will be remembered for her strength, her loyalty, her warmth and the love she gave so freely.
She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.