Thomas Willard Ballentine

Thomas Willard Ballentine, died March 12, 2007 of a massive heart attack. Thomas was born on May 26, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio to parents, Willard Edward Ballentine and Anna Jayne Ballentine. He attended St. Dominic and Holy Rosary Catholic schools. Upon graduation he attended St. Charles Preparatory where he aspired to study for the priesthood. He was a graduate of Ohio State University having earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare degree. He applied his studies by working as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as counselor and mentor at Indian River School for Boys in Massillon, Ohio where he was instrumental in turning around the lives of troubled and delinquent boys. Tom was an accomplished artist, having won prizes for his paintings. He also loved animals, birds, flowers and all wild life as an expression and appreciation of his spiritual relationship with God. Thomas is survived by loving wife, Rita; son, Thomas Kevin (Jannelle); granddaughter. Alexis; special grandchildren, Kylie and Jade; parents, Willard Edward and Anna Jayne Ballentine; brothers, Charles Steven (Barbara) and John Howard (DeAnn). He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of relatives and friends including former wife Mary Ballentine; sister-in-law, Marcia Ballentine; niece, Lisa Marie (Robert) Price; and nephew, Brian Michael (Milessa) Ballentine. Tom was greatly loved and respected by family and friends. The family will receive friends from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon, Ohio followed by funeral mass at 11 a.m at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 206 Cherry Rd, Massillon, Ohio. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Columbus, Ohio with reception at Ryan's Cleveland Ave. Restaurant, Columbus, Ohio following interment. Contributions may be made in Tom's memory to the American Heart Association. Paquelet Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-3222 www.paquelet.com