Joan Marie Ballmer, 80, of rural Fayette, died early Sunday morning, December 8, 2013, at Fairlawn Haven in Archbold. She was born November 7, 1933, in Zone, OH, to the late Dwight and Florence (Smith) Ely. She married Alva Ballmer on January 1, 1954, and he survives.
Joan was a life-long resident of the Fayette area, and graduated from Gorham Fayette High School Class of 1952. She worked as a cook for RH Restaurant for over 40 years. She was an active member of the Fayette Nazarene Church, where she served for several years as the President of the Missionary Society. In addition to cooking, Joan enjoyed baking and decorating cakes, gardening, and quilting.
Surviving in addition to her husband, Alva, are their five sons, Mark (Jackie) Ballmer of Archbold, OH, Tim (Cheryl) Ballmer of Fayette, David Ballmer (and Casey Champion) of Edon, OH, James (Sonya) Ballmer of Wauseon, and Michael (Janna) Ballmer of Fayette; a sister, Catherine Pennington of Wauseon; ten grandchildren, Josh, Melissa, Lacey, Brittany, Sarah, Nathaniel, Brynn, Leora, Haley, and Isaac; and two great-grandchildren, Dylan and Daxton.
Besides her parents, Joan was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Ingall; and two brothers, Paul and Stanley Ely.
A funeral service for Joan Ballmer will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the Fayette Church of the Nazarene with Pastors Paul Baker and Winston Hatcliff officiating. Interment will follow in the West Franklin Cemetery in Franklin Township. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday evening from 5-9 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-Barrett Chapel in Fayette, and on Thursday for one hour preceding the service at the church.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorial donations in Joan’s honor to Nazarene Missionary Society or CHP Hospice.
Friends can share memories and words of comfort with Joan’s family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com