Anne Katherine Ballinger

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reinhardt "Ray" Rast and Ruth Rast (née Hugins).

She is survived by her husband, Craig; daughter, Natalie; and brother, William (Bill) Rast.

Anne was born December 19, 1947, and was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL. She attended Springfield High School, class of 1965, and graduated from Western Illinois University, class of 1969, with a B.A. in Elementary Education. After her college sweetheart returned from his service in Vietnam, Anne married Craig Michael Ballinger on February 20, 1971. Their 49 years of marriage took them to four states through Craig's career with Continental Airlines, and Anne's career as a homemaker, which her family referred to as Domestic Engineer.

Anne loved astronomy, rock-hunting (especially the sparkly ones), and studying wildlife. She lived a life of strong faith and was an influential example of gentleness, goodness, and faithfulness to all those around her. Her sweet smile consistently lit up rooms and hearts, even through major surgery in midlife, a successful fight with breast cancer ten years later, and her final year of paralysis and challenging hospitalization. We are proud of her valiant fight, and we give thanks to God for the life and faith of our beloved wife, mother, and sister Anne.

Interment will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to North American Bear Center, 1926 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731; Great Dane Service Dog Project, 37 Boxford Rd, Ipswitch, MA 01938; or Katmai Conservancy, Katmai National Park, P.O. Box 90921, Anchorage, AK 99509.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield.