Jean Mills Ballinger

Jean was born in Paterson, New Jersey in an area now called Wayne. Jean was an only child born to Herbert and Viola Mills, both passing away when she was young. She graduated from Penn Hall Prep School in Chambersburg, Pa. and received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the Univ. of Vermont. She also received a Master's Degree in Education from Penn State University.

In 1956 upon graduation, she and her husband Mal Hunter moved to southern California. They had two children, Debbie and Duane and divorced four years later. Jean worked at employment agencies and later entered the Newspaper business. She worked for three years at the Daily Breeze in Torrance, CA. in Classified Advertising before moving with her second husband Jim Ballinger and their son, Jimmie, along with Debbie and Duane to Salem, Oregon in 1971. She worked in Classified Advertising, in sales, training and management at the Statesman Journal for twenty-seven years before retiring on her 65th birthday to begin a whole new life.

During those years she wrote her life story and that of her husband, often encouraging others to do the same to preserve family history. She published a book, "Letters From A Drummer Boy" containing her Great Grandfather's Civil War letters and diaries. This was followed by a published inspirational book of true family stories called "In The Presence Of Angels" to encourage others to write down their own family stories of God's interventions and when He sent an angel. She was a member of the Chemeketa Chapter of DAR. She loved her church and its many activities. She served in several capacities at Salem First Presbyterian Church over many years, including Elder and Deacon. She enjoyed travel - going on several cross-country trips. She was the happiest when spending time with her precious family and countless friends.

Her husband, Jim, and ten months later her son, Duane Hunter pre-deceased her. She is survived by her daughter Debbie Schacher (Dan), son Jimmie Ballinger (Laura), Grandchildren: David Schacher (Ashley), Kayla Hunter, Lindsey Schacher (Megan), Marine MSgt Justin Ballinger (Sarah), Blake Ballinger, Trevor Ballinger, Great-Grandchildren: Jayden Ballinger, Tatum Ballinger, Dean Ballinger, Addie Lou Schacher, Remi Jean Schacher, Lilly Juanita Schacher, and Delilah Hunter.

In lieu of flowers, please support the USO or any other military organization of your choice. A funeral service will be held at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom (1350 Commercial St. SE, Salem) at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 16, 2023. There will be a reception following the service at McNary Golf Course Restaurant, 155 McNary Estates Dr. N , Keizer. Jean will be laid to rest at Belcrest Memorial Park during a private family interment.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Ballinger-Schacher family.