Jean Spoklie Ballantyne

In 1943, she graduated from Minot High School and in 1947 she graduated from Northwestern University where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and performer in the annual Waa-Mu musical.

In 1949, she married Melvin W. "Pat" Ballantyne whom she met while teaching in Westhope, ND. Jean and Pat moved to Minot where she became very involved in several bridge clubs, the Republican Party, the Symphony and activities associated with raising their five children. She and her husband had a great group of friends and passed the time on cold winter nights with Jean playing the piano and everyone singing along.

In 1971, they began spending their winters in Rancho Mirage, CA. Jean enjoyed the beautiful winters playing golf, cards, and entertaining their many friends. After Pat passed away, Jean maintained her active social life and travel schedule with the help of her assistant, Debbie Spafford, who remained with her until her passing.

Jean spent the last months of her life as a central figure at daily happy hours and dinners at her home in San Antonio, surrounded by her family and friends. Throughout her life, Jean maintained an active lifestyle, filled with dance, music, cards and golf. Jean was a member of the Minot Country Club, Thunderbird Country Club, The 25 Club and the Argyle Club.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents: Alfred O. Spoklie and Serene Olson Spoklie Jylene; brother, Alfred O. Spoklie, Jr. and her husband, Melvin W. "Pat" Ballantyne.

She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Senchal; children: Stephen (Anne) Ballantyne, Todd (Christina) Ballantyne, Jane Ballantyne Hegeler, KAB (Mary) Ballantyne and Sue (Charles) Holesha; and grandchildren: Patrick Ballantyne, Katy Ballantyne, Brian Ballantyne (Emmy), Brett Ballantyne, Jeannie Hegeler, Edward "Ward" Hegeler, Elizabeth Ballantyne Smith (Graham), Mary Catherine Ballantyne, Jack Ballantyne, Kate Ballantyne and one great-grandchild, Alice Ballantyne.

Services were private for the family.

The family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.