Obituaries

Ralph Durant Ballenger, age 83, of Highway 182 in Lincolnton, died on Friday, May 24, 2013.

His funeral service will be 3:00 pm on Monday, May 27, 2013 at River View Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 2:45 pm prior to the service at the church.

Mr. Ballenger was born May 12, 1930 in Lincoln County to the late James Smiley and Annie Lee Reep Ballenger. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Joanie Ballenger. He worked as a truck driver. 

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rachel Johnson Ballenger of the home; one daughter, Betty Ballenger Rhodes; two brothers, John Ballenger and wife Frances and Jerry Ballenger and wife Ida, all of Lincolnton; two grandchildren, Jamie Heavner and Amanda Stroupe and husband Benjamin of Cherryville; and six great-grandchildren, Matthew, Colton, Reid and Miles Stroupe and Nick and Will Heavner.

Memorials may be made to River View Baptist Church, 2230 Riverview Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092.