Blanche Ballinger

Blanche Virginia Ballinger, 85, of Annapolis, died on May 8 at Future Care in Arnold of heart failure. Mrs. Ballinger was born on February 19, 1929 in Lexington, VA. She was a professional cosmetician and the owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio's, originally in downtown Annapolis, with a relocation to the brand new Annapolis Mall. Singing with several country music bands, she also played guitar, fiddle and banjo. Her performances included the "Grand ole Opry" and various television shows with many well known performers. She was awarded the "Radio Queen of the South." She was the wife of a career naval officer, Robert Ballinger, whom she married in 1952, and who preceded her in death in 2002. She was also predeceased by two sisters, Mamie Santano and Sue Rexroad. Surviving are her children, John Tolley of North Augusta, SC, Cheryl Faust and Barbara Ballinger, both of Annapolis, and Tina Noble of Westminster; her brother, Henry Hatcher Jr. of Lexington, VA; and sister, Bessie Monroe also of Lexington, VA; her grandchildren, Michael Lonergan, Joe Noble Jr. and Michele Noble, Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the Hardesty Funeral Home, P.A., 12 Ridgely Ave., Annapolis. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 710 Ridgely Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Annapolis. Memorial contributions may be made to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church at the above address. Online condolences may be placed at www.hardestyfuneralhome.com