Mary L. Ballenger

Mary Lou Ballenger, 84, of Columbia passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Boone Hospital. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 10 AM – 11 AM at Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 11 AM with Rev. Karen Alden, officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mary was born on March 21, 1938 in Boone County, the daughter of James C. Grant and Sue M. (Edwards) Grant and was a graduate of David Hickman High School. On March 16, 1958 she was united in marriage to James Edward Ballenger who preceded her in death. He was the love of her life. Mary and James loved their family and their friends throughout Boone County.

Mary had a successful career in insurance and banking. She was a long time member of the Woodlandville United Methodist Church, Sunrise Optimist Club, Boone’s 25th Homemakers, and the Boone County Fair. She enjoyed gardening, caring for her yard, feeding the birds, and watching the blue birds, humming birds, and orioles at her feeders. She enjoyed boating, going to the ocean, and dancing to country music with her husband.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Bruce) Perkins; granddaughter, Meredith (Jeremy) Craig; grandson, Weston (Tera) Perkins; great grandchildren, Jacoby, Waylon, and Quin; her siblings, Bob (Iola) Grant, Don (Betty) Grant, Lois Garrett, and Patsy (John) Watt. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Russell Grant and James Earl Grant; and two sisters, Claudia Butzin and Martha Singleton.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Woodlandville United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.