Virginia Ballenger

She was born in Zincville, Oklahoma on December 16, 1924 and was the fourth of six children. After the death of her father in 1937 the family moved to Webb City in SW Missouri. She graduated from Webb City High School and was an active member of her church singing both in the choir and in a trio. She married Harley L. Ballenger in 1942 and they lived in Joplin, MO. During WWII, Virginia moved to Florida and worked at an air force base. After the war ended she returned to Joplin. She was employed by the telephone company and supported her husband while he attended school at Joplin Jr. College and Kansas State. In 1946 they started a family and had two daughters (Judy and Linda) while living in Missouri. In 1950 they moved to Texas. While living in Dallas and Houston they added two sons (Stephen and Craig) to the Ballenger family.

During the 1960’s Virginia worked as an EKG technician for the Memorial Hospital System in Houston and later served as a doctor’s assistant for a noted cardiologist. Upon her retirement in 1975 she moved to the Cedar Creek Lake near Athens, TX. There, she enjoyed the beautiful lake sunsets, fishing, visiting with her sister and hosting large family gatherings - cooking everyone’s favorite dishes. She served as a role model and mentor to help guide and support her family. She always had a smile, kind words and a hug for everyone.

Virginia was an avid sportswoman participating in many sports including bowling, table tennis, horse shoes, washers and supporter for her children’s’ many activities. She also served as coach of girls’ youth softball teams in Houston. In her later years she participated in the Texas Senior Games winning numerous medals.

In 2005 Virginia moved to Garland to live with her son Stephen. She received many years of tender loving care from Stephen and our dear friend Susana Muniz and her family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Claude Turner; her mother, Elsie May Masters Turner Jones; her brothers, Forest Turner, Claude “Tub” Turner and John Turner; her sister Freda Chairs; her husband, Harley L. Ballenger, her daughter Judith Ballenger Deragon and her son Craig Ballenger.

She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Akers of Florida, Sister-in-Law, Sue Turner of Joplin, MO; daughter, Linda B. Tyler of Marble Falls; son, H. Stephen Ballenger of Garland; granddaughter Cindy Marion and her husband Ricky of Athens; grandson Chris Ballenger and his wife Kriss of Eustace; grandsons, Jason Tyler of Austin, Matt Tyler and Mercedes Martinez of Austin; great granddaughters, Krista Navratil, Haley Cowan, Nicole and Marissa Ballenger, Shannon and Izzy Tyler; great grandson, Jason Ballenger; great great-grandson Braycen Navratil and many nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service will be held Tuesday, October 14th at 2 pm, Lakeland Hills Cemetery, 4219 Park Rd 4, south of Burnet. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions go to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.

Arrangements made by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet. 512-756-2222.