Herbert H. ”herb” Ballentine

Herbert H. Ballentine, age 76, a lifelong servant of the Lord, died peacefully in his daughter’s home, surrounded by his loving and devoted family Saturday morning, April 9, 2011 following a courageous battle with cancer.Born in Flushing, O. on February 22, 1935, he was the son of the late Herman and Nettie (Hina) Ballentine. After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1953, Herb began his professional career as a master carpenter and contractor.His career spanned throughout Ohio and also in Washington, D.C. for 12 years. He served as a superintendent on a variety of projects, and enjoyed his affiliation with the Carpenter’s Union for more than 25 years. Although his career was of great significance to him, Herb’s greatest love was his wife, family, and the Lord.In August of 1955, Herb married his high school sweetheart, the former Catherine Jane Campbell. Together, they enjoyed the births of their 4 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Herb fell in love with each and every baby placed in his arms. Herb loved to deer hunt, fish, and especially golf as a member at Green Valley Golf Course. He also served the youth of the community as a 4-H advisor, and was a youth group advisor with his wife at the Lutheran church.Clearly his faith is what guided his life. He was nurtured in his walk with the Lord at True Hope Community Fellowship in Navarre, as well as St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Oldtown Valley. After retirement, Herb and his longtime friend, Clyde Walters, started the “Old Geezer Construction Company.” Together with their sons, they maintained an active work schedule throughout Tuscarawas County.Herb’s loving family includes his wife of nearly 56 years, Catherine Jane Ballentine; his children, Donna (Robert) Wenger of New Philadelphia, Barbara (Steve) Burchfield of Dover, Steven (Nikki) Ballentine and Michael (Anita) Ballentine, both of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Zachary (Mary) Wenger and Todd (Lori) Wenger, both of New Philadelphia, Miranda (Max) Manning of Cleveland, Daniel (Candi) Miller of Kalispell, Montana, Elizabeth (Tom) Zoelle of Stone Creek, Timothy (Stephanie) Miller of New Philadelphia, Sandra (Matt) Zoelle of Dover, Travise Ballentine, Tony Ballentine, Logan Ballentine, Alex Ballentine, Austin Ballentine and Braden Ballentine, all of New Philadelphia; great-grandchildren, Katie, Lindsey, Christian, Kizzie, and Maci Mae Wenger, and Timothy Joseph Miller, all of New Philadelphia, and Mason James Zoelle of Dover; his brother, Alfred “Jack” (Ginny) Ballentine of New Philadelphia; and his sister, Lorena Costa of Uhrichsville.In addition to his parents, Herb was preceded in death by his brothers, William and Raymond, and his sister, Alice Toland.Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory on Monday, April 11, 2011 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. A service celebrating Herb’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday beginning at 10 a.m. with The Rev. Hugh B. Berry, Pastor Mark Jones, and Herb’s son, Pastor Mike Ballentine co-officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover.Following the committal service, friends are invited to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Oldtown Valley where Herb’s church family will host a luncheon.Memorial contributions may be directed to Relay for Life, Team Ballentine, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, OH 44406.