Betsy Ballenger Pegram

Betsy Ballenger Pegram 

August 11, 1940 – August 31, 2025 Winston-Salem, NC

With grateful hearts, we honor the life of Betsy Rose Pegram, who passed away on August 31, 2025, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Though her final years were spent in Winston-Salem, her roots ran deepest in Albemarle, NC, where she raised her family and devoted herself to her community.

Betsy was the cherished wife of Ron Pegram. Earlier in life, she was married to Dr. Claude N. Ballenger Jr., and prior to that she was married to Joseph R. Kluttz, who both preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her parents, Arthur R. King and Ava Pauline Harris King, and her siblings: Ruby Wade, Arthur Russell King Jr., Dorothy “Dot” Maury, James Howard King, Francis Vaughan, and Maurice King.

Her proudest role was as a mother to Joseph Kluttz and Claudia Ballenger Melton, and as a loving bonus mother to Claude Ballenger III, Marianne McGraw, and Kathleen Ballenger. She poured her heart into her grandchildren—Joshua Kluttz, Jonathan Barbour-Kluttz, Noah, Jacob, and Campbell Melton, Melanie Pew, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Kevin McGraw, Jamie Stokes, Cary Allen, Adam Foreman, Andrew Ballenger, and Grace Ballenger—who knew her affectionately as Grandmommy. Her joy grew even greater with the arrival of her great-grandchildren: Finley Stokes, Emery Stokes, Madison Pew, Cameron Pew, Karter Kluttz, Oakley Fitzgerald, Phoenix Fitzgerald, and Miles McGraw.

Beyond her family, Betsy left a mark on her community. In the 1980s, she led efforts in substance abuse prevention in Stanly County, work that earned her the Jefferson Award, a national recognition for public service. Her advocacy brought hope and healing to many families.

Still, it was her presence at home—as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—that defined her. Known for her warmth, wisdom, and generosity, Betsy created a welcoming place where family and friends gathered in love. She embodied her favorite word, JOY, a spirit she carried into every role and relationship.

Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A service celebrating Betsy’s life will be held Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church of Albemarle, 428 Pee Dee Ave., Albemarle, NC 28001. A short reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations directly to Hospice of Stanly County.

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." — Isaiah 55:12

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Pegram family.