Maretta (Sandy) Ballinger entered into eternal life on February 18, 2021. She was born to Berten and Eycle Santee (Smith) on November 11, 1924 in South Sioux City, Nebraska. She graduated from South Sioux City High School. After graduation, she entered the Waves as a nurse and attended the U.S. Navel training school in Bronx, New York. During her years of service, she met Stewart Ballinger and they married in Shoemaker, California in May 1946. They moved to Visalia soon after to work and start their family. Their 1st born was Linda, 7 years later to Debbie, and then 17 months later to Karen.
Sandy worked at the Credit Bureau of Tulare County for 4 years. The she began her career at the Department of Agriculture and retiring after 25 years. She was a devoted member of Sierra Baptist Church.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Berten and Eycle Santee, her husband Stewart, her brothers Melvin, George, Henry, and Carl Santee; Sister, Bernice Summers; 1 son-in-law David Crawford.
She is survived by her 3 daughters, Linda Elzig (Frank), Debbie Crawford, Karen Fry (Tim), all of Visalia. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Angela Russel, Julie Crawford, Lisa Mota, Kevin Crawford (Melissa), all of Visalia; Rileigh Fry of San Fransicso. 7 great grandchildren, Steven Coley, Madison Crawford, Darius Coley, Ryley Post, Gabriella Mota, Gavin Mota, and Kai Crawford of Visalia.
Funeral Services will be on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, followed by burial at Visalia District Cemetery at 12:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Sierra Baptist Church in Visalia in memory of Sandy.
