Shirley Ballentine

Shirley O. Ballentine, age 73 years, of North Colling Road, Caro, died on Friday, September 8, 2006 at Caro Community Hospital. The former Shirley Schroeder was born on October 9, 1932 at Providence Hospital in Detroit, the daughter of Olive M. Schroeder and George A. Schroeder, a former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, who served three terms in the House and presided as Speaker during the 1935 and 1937 sessions. She graduated from St. Bernards High School in Detroit. Shirley Schroeder married Reid Ballentine on July 11, 1970 in Utica. He preceded her in death on July 24, 1993. The Ballentines moved to Caro in the late 1980s, and for approximately 15 years, Shirley worked as an Admitting Clerk at Caro Community Hospital. She and her husband enjoyed harness horse racing, and she loved her dogs. Shirley was a member of the Catholic faith and a past member of the United States Trotting Association and the Michigan Harness Horsemens Association. She is survived by her “Kids” and spouses, Nancy and Fred Hebert of Kingston, Marjorie Ballentine of Caro and Robert Reid Ballentine of Encinitas, California; her grandkids, E. Reid (Sherry) Roe of Centreville, Virginia, Rick Reid Ballentine and Craig Erskine of Lansing, James Paul Hebert of Lansing, Mariesa Ann Hebert of Lansing, Theresa (Paul) Hampel of Okemos, Jerome (Sheila) Hebert of Midland, Nava (Josh) Asselin of Spain, Tek Reid Wiegert of Ann Arbor, Amelia Michaels of New York; her great-grandkids, Ryan, Alyssa, Alanna, Morgan, Austin, Colton, Amelia, Andrew, Thomas and Alexis; several nieces and nephews; her very special friends, Judy Shoup, Don Davis and Sandy Bassett, along with her family of co-workers at Caro Community Hospital; and her very special companions, Woody, Gypsy and Codie. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her sisters, Helen Ballentine and Marion Muldaur; and a brother George Schroeder, Jr. A memorial service will be held at the Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dennis Kucharczyk officiating. In observance of Shirleys wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no advance visitation prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cass River Pet Friendz, c/o Sandy Bassett, 611 Allen Street, Caro, MI 48723.