Linda Lee BALLINGER

BALLINGER Linda Lee Linda Lee Ballinger of Findlay, OH and Naples, FL, born on July 26th, 1937, peacefully died of natural causes at 4:30 p.m. on February 17, 2011 at Physicians Regional Hospital in Naples, while surrounded by her loving family. Linda was daughter of Virginia (Werkheiser) Brautigam and Erwin "Dutch" Brautigam (both deceased). She was married to Paul V. Ballinger, her high school sweetheart and love of her life for 53 years the anniversary is marked on March 30th. She is survived by husband, Paul; her children, Marcia R. (Kurt) Thomas, Charlotte A. (Kelly) Cullum, Jon C. (Amy) Ballinger and eight cherished grandchildren, Kyle, Brianne, Jordan, Trevor, Travis, Kasey, McKenzie and Kendyll. Linda, Miss Findlay "1939" graduated from Findlay High School in 1955, attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and Bowling Green State University where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Sorority. When health would allow Linda would always find the time and energy to devote to the following organizations, Open Arms Domestic Violence Center, Blanchard Valley Hospital Auxiliary, TWIGS and Nature's House Keepers Garden Club. Special interests included spending quality time with family, cooking, playing bridge and mahjong, painting and piano. Paul and Linda are currently members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Findlay, OH and Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Bonita Springs, Florida. Another one of Linda's greatest treasures, in addition to her husband and family, were the abundance of friends who unconditionally loved and supported her. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for good friend and caregiver, Vicki Hurst for her love and devotion over the last few years, Pastor Chris, Pastor Dana and Joe for their support and prayers and the dedicated doctors and staff who touched her life. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at First Lutheran Church, Findlay. Pastor Christian Dittmar will officiate. Condolences may be made online to Coldren-Crates Funeral Home via www.coldrencrates.com in kind donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church in Findlay, OH, Christus Victor Lutheran Church Building fund in Bonita Springs, FL and Open Arms Domestic Violence Center of Hancock County.