Catherine E. Ballenger, 95

Catherine E. Ballenger joined the love of her life, James William, in their heavenly home on March 29, 2013. They were married for 53 years when he passed away Nov. 21, 1992.

Catherine was born Nov. 21, 1917, in Los Angeles, Calif., to John and Lillian Correa Phillips.

Catherine graduated from Flintridge High School for girls in 1935. She met her husband who was in the Navy and with permission from her father, an L.A. cop, they courted, then married April 15, 1939. His career took them from coast to coast, both making life long friends along the way. Settling in Escondido, Calif., Catherine, after obtaining her masters degree, retired from a 21 year career as a school and resource teacher.

As a mother of two boys, her sense of humor served her well, many times hiding laughter when her son’s antics landed them in trouble.

Catherine loved the sun, swimming, socializing, Bridge, reading, sewing and chocolate and had a passion for writing. One of her legacies is the biography she wrote, her life a rich tapestry of experiences throughout her 95 years. Continued education was very important to her. She took writing classes in Calif., her words coming to life on paper, and after moving to Idaho in 2004 to be near her youngest son, Jim, she enrolled in a computer class at age 85.

Catherine was preceded in death by her sister, Rosa Beyer; second cousin Maureen Costin Prescott; and grandson, Ian Ballenger.

Catherine is survived by two sons and wives, John and Pauline Ballenger of Running Springs, Calif., and James and Jo Ballenger of Hayden; foster daughter, Ann Jetti of San Diego, Calif.; four grandchildren: Benjamin Ballenger of Calif, Britain (Michael) Woodard of Neb., Cortney (Benjamin) Lundberg of Ariz., Cole (Brenna) Ballenger of Idaho, Ian’s widow, Cathy Ballenger of Virginia; and five great-grandchildren: Brandon Ballenger, Harley Woodard, Anna Ballenger, and Kennedy and Bryce Lundberg.

Rich with family and friends from across the country and Chili, Catherine touched many lives and will be in our hearts forever. Her family would like to give special thanks to Tina Ceballos and all of the wonderful people who took such great care of her in her latter years. They will be forever woven into the fabric of her life.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date in Escondido, Calif., and she will be laid to rest with her husband at Riverside National Cemetery. Details will be noted on the website below.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society. With a strong constitution, Catherine fought lymphoma at age 91 and was in remission.

Please visit Catherine’s memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com (type in Ballenger under obituaries) and sign her guest book.