Jeanne D. Ballenger, 86, of Saint Marys, Ohio, died Friday, September 2, 2011, at Otterbein Saint Marys Retirement Community.

She was born February 22, 1925, in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of Charles “Pop” and Pauline (Junkins) Cain

She married Richard Ballenger on July 21, 1946, and he preceded her in death on December 12, 2001.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Shirley Williams) Ballenger of Tampa, Florida; by three grandchildren: Jenny Johnides of Celina; Sarah Anspach of Springboro, Ohio; Jason Ballenger of Saint Marys; by five great-grandchidren: Ali; Abby; Adam; Brianne; Kaisey; by her former daughter-in-law, Becky Ballenger of Saint Marys.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters, Kay Warner and Helen Runyon.

Jeanne was a 1943 graduate of North High School in Akron. She moved to Saint Marys in 1968 and over the years served her community in various roles. She was both head of the Saint Marys Chamber of Commerce and later the American Red Cross of Saint Marys. Jeanne and her husband, Richard, were also very active at the Wayne Street United Methodist Church in Saint Marys. She has been residing at Otterbein Saint Marys since 2002.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, September 7, 2011, in the Meyer Community Chapel on the campus of Otterbein Saint Marys Retirement Community, Reverend Carol Sainey, officiant. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, Ohio, where memorial donations may be directed to Otterbein Saint Marys Retirement Community.