Virginia Turner Ballenger, 89, of Garland dies Oct. 10, 2014
Virginia Turner Ballenger, 89, of Garland passed away peacefully Oct. 10, 2014, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s.
She was born in Zincville, Oklahoma, on Dec. 16, 1924, and was the fourth of six children. After the death of her father in 1937, the family moved to Webb City in southwest 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, Missouri. During World War II, 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 Junior 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 1960s, 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, Texas. 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 a 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, horseshoes and washers, and a 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; mother, Elsie May Masters Turner Jones; brothers, Forest Turner, Claude “Tub” Turner and John Turner; sister Freda Chairs; husband, Harley L. Ballenger; daughter Judith Ballenger Deragon; and son Craig Ballenger.
She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Akers of Florida; sister-in-law Sue Turner of Joplin; daughter Linda B. Tyler of Marble Falls; son H. Stephen Ballenger of Garland; granddaughter, Cindy Marion and husband Ricky of Athens; grandsons, Chris Ballenger and wife Kriss of Eustace, Jason Tyler of Austin and Matt Tyler and Mercedes Martinez of Austin; great-granddaughters, Krista Navratil, Haley Cowan, Nicole and Marissa Ballenger and Shannon and Izzy Tyler; great-grandson, Jason Ballenger; great-great-grandson, Braycen Navratil; and many nieces and nephews.
A family graveside service is 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park, 4219 Park Road 4, south of Burnet.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions go to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 Texas 29 East in Burnet, (512) 756-2222. Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.