Paula Mae Peden, age 68, passed away on September 26, 2025. Paula was born on November 23, 1956, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to Pal Franklin Ballard and Josie Mae (Nichols) Ballard.
Paula attended school in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. In 1974 she married Randy Mack Peden, after his passing in 1980, she found love again in Delbert Byles in 1985. Over the years, she worked with dedication as both a dietary supervisor and a bartender manager. She enjoyed playing puzzles, computer games, pool tournaments, and enjoyed being a part of a bowling league. Her greatest happiness, though, was found in her family, especially in cooking for her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pal Franklin Ballard and Josie Mae (Nichols) Ballard; her first husband, Randy Mack Peden, who passed away in 1980; her second husband, Delbert Byles; her daughter, Roxann Peden; her brother, Jackie Joe Ballard; and her great-nephew, Jackson Wade Ballard.
Paula’s memory will be lovingly carried on by her children, Randy Peden of Wynnewood, and Whitnee Byles of Tishomingo; her siblings, Pal Ballard, Jr. of Norman, and Terry Gene Ballard and spouse Charlene of Tishomingo; her grandchildren: Jarah Willis , Natalee Burrous, Avery Peden, Brody Burrous, all of Tishomingo, and Cora Mae Peden of Stratford; as well as her great-grandchild, Wiley Brooks Willis. Paula also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A memorial service in her honor will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Brown’s Funeral Chapel in Durant, Okla.
Arrangements under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service.