Submitted by:  Nadine A. Hardin

Name in Obituary:  George M. Ballinger

Surnames Mentioned:  Ballinger, Vida, McLane, Savoie, Imms, Ridenour

South Bend Tribune, Obituaries; September 16, 1999.

George M. Ballinger (April 6, 1914 - Sept. 15, 1999)

George M. Ballinger, age 85, of Irish Hills Drive, South Bend, died at 1:10 a.m. Wednesday in Hospice House

He was born April 6, 1914 in Wildie, Kentucky and lived in this area since 1946 coming from Hamilton, Ohio. Mr. Ballinger retired in 1979 from the Bendix Corporation, after 30 years of service

On August 1, 1945 in Cincinnati, Ohio, he married Rolla Vida, who preceded him in death on August 8, 1983. Also preceding him in death were two grandchildren, Kelly and Jamie Ballinger. He is survived by a daughter, Brenda (Terry) McLane of Osage Beach, Missouri, a son, Charles (Pam) Ballinger of South Bend, six grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jacob Savoie, Kyle, Kelli, Sean and Kristie McLane, two great-grandchildren, Cole McLane and Allison Ballinger; a sister, Barbara Imms of Montgomery, Alabama and two brothers, Russell Ballinger of Culver City, California and Caywood Ballinger, of Desert Hot Springs, California, and by his companion, Grace Ridenour of South Bend

Family and friends may call from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Monday in the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. A masonic service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, at Immanuel Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery where American Legion Post 50 will conduct military rites

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of St. Joseph County

Mr. Ballinger was a member of the St. Joseph Lodge 45 F&AM, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite South Bend Valley, Immanuel Methodist Church, Veteran of Foreign War Post 9820, and American Legion Post 50. He was also an Army veteran of World War II, where he was a prisoner of war for four months

So live, that when thy summons comes to join the enumerable caravan, which moves to that mysterious realm where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death. Thou goest not like the quarry slave at night scouraged to his dungeon, but soothed and sustained by an unfaltering trust. Approach thy grave like one who wraps the draperies of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams