Ursula G. Ballenger

Ursula was born on February 1, 1937, in Speicher, Germany and grew up in the picturesque wine-growing village of Zeltingen-Rachtig along the Mosel River in Germany. The daughter of Matthias and Francisca Rau, she spent her formative years in the beautiful landscapes of the Mosel valley before embarking on a journey that led her across the Atlantic to the United States.

A long-time resident of the Greater Columbus and Galena areas, she came to central Ohio by way of Germany, France, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Texas. Ursula was a beautiful woman of grace, resilience, and intelligence. She was our family center and brought all of us together for many holidays, creating memories that will forever live in our hearts. She was a wonderfully talented cook and a gifted seamstress known around the world for her creations of impeccable doll clothing.

Ursula was the devoted wife of Robert "Bud" Ballenger, with whom she shared many years of marriage. She is preceded in death by her parents Matthias and Francisca Rau and her brother Dieter (Ingrid) Rau. She is survived by her husband Robert Ballenger, her sister Gertrude Hays, her children Doris (Frank) Moore, Vicky Carnevale, Patty Kosiek (Vance Wolfe), David (Mary) Carnevale, Dennis (Jennifer) Carnevale, and Tony (Jamie) Carnevale. Ursula also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Ursula’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the heritage she so proudly shared with her family.