1933 ~ 2025
Pauline Richardson Ballif
1933 – 2025
Pauline Richardson Ballif of Sandy, Utah—wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher—passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025. She was 92 years old.
Pauline was born on September 25, 1933, to Wesley and Pauline Richardson in Benjamin, Utah. She was one of 11 children.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pauline served a variety of callings over the years. She was released from her final calling as Relief Society Teacher a week before her 92nd birthday. She was a lifelong teacher, both personally and professionally, influencing countless children. She taught elementary school in California and Germany in her early career and then later in Idaho and Utah.
She graduated from Brigham Young University in 1957. Pauline always recognized the great sacrifices her family made, including her sisters, to make her education possible.
Pauline married H. Maurice Ballif (Maury) on January 25, 1963. They have six children. They later served multiple missions for the Church including Heber Valley Camp, Inner City: Utah State Prison, the Family History Library, etc. She loved sharing her passion for family history and all she learned from her ancestors’ lives.
She is survived by her children Heidi Walker (Nico), Melinda Odencrantz (George), Scott Ballif (Amanda), Paul Ballif (Tina), Matt Ballif (Joni), Andrea Martinez (Ray); 22 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister Patricia Fullmer.
She is preceded in death by her husband Maury; her parents; her siblings Paul, Tom, Betty, Donna, Sterling, Stanley, Brent, Larry, and Lynn; and granddaughter Joana Odencrantz.
A public viewing will be held Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Cameo Park Ward, 8945 South 1700 East, Sandy, Utah, 84093. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. at the same location on Monday, November 3, 2025. A viewing will precede the services from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Interment will be at Benjamin Cemetery, 9000 South 3200 West, Benjamin, Utah, 84660 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund or The Horse of Many Colors Wasatch County Cancer Foundation.
The family thanks Inspiration Hospice, particularly Jolene, and the Sugarhouse Legacy Village team for their gentle care of Pauline in her last days.
To virtually watch the service please press "Watch Services" button at the time of the service.
My beautiful friend Paulene. You touched my life with your love of the gospel, your optimism, brilliance, kindness and love of others.
I will fondly remember you calling us the “field people”. I love you dear friend. Love Laurie
Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Pauline personally, it’s clear from the words shared and the love surrounding her family that she was a truly remarkable woman — one whose kindness, strength, and grace left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
To Melinda and the entire Ballif family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you hold and in knowing that her light and love will continue to live on through each of you.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Libby