Obituary of Mary Beth Ballenger

Mary Beth Ballenger, age 75, of Richland, Missouri, peacefully passed away at her home on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.

Beth was born on February 8, 1947, in Independence, Missouri, the daughter of Harold and Alice Steinmeyer. She grew up with her two sisters, Linda and Jane, in Independence and graduated from Van Horn High School and Central Missouri State University.

In 1969, Beth was united in marriage with Jim Ballenger in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri, and they shared over 52 years of wedded bliss. After relocating to North Carolina, Beth’s two children, Jon Michael and Elisabeth Anne, were born and she began a long career in art education.

In 1975, Beth and her family returned to Missouri where she continued her career in education at various schools in the Francis Howell School District. She received many accolades including “Teacher of the Year” and derived great joy from observing the progress of “her kids”.

In 1999, Beth retired from teaching and moved to her new home in the hills and forests of the Ozarks. She became an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church where she served as Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, Stephen Minister and Leader, and in many other church and school activities. She was also active in the Lake Area Newcomers Longtimers as a member and Vice President, cards and games groups, and book clubs.

Beth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved her church family, flower gardening, interior decorating, and living in the midst of nature and all its glory. She was preceded in death by her parents and son Jon. She is survived by her husband Jim, her daughter Lisa, grandchildren James and Sarah, and sisters Linda and Lane.

Mary Beth Ballenger lived as a true believer in Jesus Christ as her Savior and died with the peace of knowing the certainty of her home in Heaven.

A memorial service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Lake Ozark, Missouri on Saturday, June 18, 2022 with a visitation at 10am, and the funeral at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please support King’s Academy at Christ the King.

For all who trust in Jesus, there is no brighter hope to dispel the grief and pain that we feel at Beth’s departure to be with her Lord, than Christ’s own blood sealed assurance that all who trust in the saving merits of Jesus Christ, will one day be reunited with Beth and all the ransomed saints in heaven. May this be our hope and our strength! To God be all glory, forever and ever! Amen.