Sandra June Ballinger

Sandra (Mom) was born in Weirton, WV, to Sara Kathryn and Nelson Stuart Smith on June 1, 1935. Mom had the unique privilege of growing up in Weirton with two families: Sara and Nelson, and her adoptive parents, Winifred and Robert Apitsch. Growing up, Mom became a part of the Eastern Star, which would heavily influence her ideals and character.

Mom always had a passion for the arts early in life and graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. After graduation, she became one of the first female artists in residence at a number of prestigious art studios in Pittsburgh. Mom helped create some of the most memorable and recognizable designs in American culture, including the three-diamond logo for U.S. Steel, which would later be adopted and used by the Pittsburgh Steelers to this day.

Mom met the love of her life, Craig Ballinger, while both were members of the National Ski Patrol at Seven Springs Ski Resort. Craig and Sandra would later marry on November 16, 1963, in Weirton, WV.

In addition to her years of service with the National Ski Patrol, Mom also served with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Falls Church Fire Department. Her enthusiasm for service was never-ending, and she also spent years with the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels, making a difference in the lives of others.

Mom was an avid golfer and rarely missed an opportunity to spend a beautiful day with close friends on the course. Mom was also a duckpin and later ten-pin bowling champion, consistently taking home trophies and becoming a highly sought-after player in local leagues.

Above all, Mom had a genuine lust for life. She was strong, fiercely independent, and faced life with an optimism that never seemed to leave her. She was quick with a sharp observation, quicker with a laugh, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor that stayed with her throughout her life. She taught us to be strong when life was difficult, to find the humor when things didn’t go as planned, to appreciate what we had, and to keep moving forward with a positive spirit. Those lessons, and the way she lived them, will remain with us always. She will be deeply missed, but the strength, laughter, wisdom, and love she gave us all will continue to shape our lives for generations to come.

Sandra was preceded in death by her husband Craig, Parents Sara and Nelson, as well as Winifred and Robert, and by her brothers Nelson, Dick, and Jerry, and sisters Lois and Marsha.

Sandra is survived by her sons, Dean (his wife, Sonia) and Todd; grandchildren Kara, Samantha, Andrew, Kathryn, Morgan, Nickolas, Ava, and Craig; and great-grandchildren Lilly, Eric Jr., June, Raya, Talullah, Beckett, and Ayla.

Pallbearers will be Dean, Todd, Andrew, Eric, Nickolas, and Craig.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on September 6, 2026, at National Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Falls Church, VA. Burial will follow at National Funeral Home & Memorial Park.