Linda Murphy Ballentine, 86, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, in West Friendship, Maryland.
Born on April 8, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Linda was raised in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She graduated from Bernard High School and went on to attend Beaver College in Glenside, Pennsylvania. Her early years laid the foundation for a life marked by dedication to family, community service, and a deep love of nature and animals.
Linda is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Ballentine of West Friendship, Maryland and Brian Ballentine of Myersville, Maryland. Linda also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren—Holly, Jake, and Troy—who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her brother Curtis Murphy and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her with affection. Her sister, Beryl M. Pierce, preceded her in death.
A long-time resident of Maryland, Linda was deeply involved in her community. While living in Crofton, Maryland she volunteered actively and later served as a Master Gardener in Howard County. Her passion for horticulture was evident not only in her volunteer work but also in the care she gave to every flower she touched.
Linda's love for animals—especially horses—was a defining part of her life. A devoted equestrienne for over 25 years, she found great fulfillment riding dressage with her beloved Arabian horse Jasaugah. In addition to riding, Linda was an avid swimmer who continued to swim into her last decades of life.
Faith played an important role throughout Linda's life. She was a dedicated member of Glenelg United Methodist Church, where she found spiritual nourishment and fellowship among friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, Maryland—a cause close to Linda's heart that reflects her lifelong devotion to the well-being of horses or to Glenelg United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will be planned in the future.
May Linda's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
Born on April 8, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Linda was raised in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She graduated from Bernard High School and went on to attend Beaver College in Glenside, Pennsylvania. Her early years laid the foundation for a life marked by dedication to family, community service, and a deep love of nature and animals.
Linda is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Ballentine of West Friendship, Maryland and Brian Ballentine of Myersville, Maryland. Linda also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren—Holly, Jake, and Troy—who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her brother Curtis Murphy and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her with affection. Her sister, Beryl M. Pierce, preceded her in death.
A long-time resident of Maryland, Linda was deeply involved in her community. While living in Crofton, Maryland she volunteered actively and later served as a Master Gardener in Howard County. Her passion for horticulture was evident not only in her volunteer work but also in the care she gave to every flower she touched.
Linda's love for animals—especially horses—was a defining part of her life. A devoted equestrienne for over 25 years, she found great fulfillment riding dressage with her beloved Arabian horse Jasaugah. In addition to riding, Linda was an avid swimmer who continued to swim into her last decades of life.
Faith played an important role throughout Linda's life. She was a dedicated member of Glenelg United Methodist Church, where she found spiritual nourishment and fellowship among friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, Maryland—a cause close to Linda's heart that reflects her lifelong devotion to the well-being of horses or to Glenelg United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will be planned in the future.
May Linda's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
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