Loma June Ballenger

Loma J. Ballenger, 89, of Callaway, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at Callaway Good Life Center. She was born June 10, 1923, in Callaway, Nebraska, to William J. and Etta May (Weaver) Longmore. Loma attended Hillside rural school near Callaway. She was united in marriage to Carl W. Ballenger on June 29, 1946, in Callaway. Seven children were blessed to this marriage; twin sons, David and Dale, Dorothy, Darla, Dea and Daryl. Loma grew up in the Callaway area and moved to the Lexington/Overton area in 1953. She worked for a time at the Overton Café, Dugdale Packing Plant and Excel Packing Plant. She volunteered her time at Love-In-Action in Lexington. Church was always a big part of Loma’s life and was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Callaway and attended the Christian Church in Overton. She was the past president of the Christian Women’s Fellowship in Overton, as well as past member of the Garden Club and Extension Club. She also taught youth group at the Christian Church in Overton. Loma had a strong love for her family and so enjoyed her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, flowers, reading, crocheting, quilting, sports, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers, word search puzzles and writing poetry. She will be so very missed by her large, loving family and friends. Survivors include her children; David Ballenger of Elsie, Nebraska, Dale (Lisa) Ballenger of Security, Colorado, Dorothy (Rod) Longmore of Cozad, Nebraska, Darla (Larry) Banzhaf of Eustis, Nebraska, and Dea (Augustin) Lopez of Blanket, Texas; thirty one grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren; one sister, Irva Lange of Riverton, Wyoming; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Loma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl in 1989; two sons, Wesley and Daryl; one granddaughter, Monica Jay; one brother, William, and one great-granddaughter, Maribel Lara. Funeral Services will be Friday, April 12, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Pastor Shawn Banzhaf officiating. Burial will be in Sand Valley Cemetery near Callaway, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences to the family please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.