Barbara Dean Balentine

Barbara Dean Balentine, 76, of Traverse City, MI died Tuesday, March 06, 2018 at her home.

Barbara was born on April 9, 1941 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald Edward and Lillian Charlotte (Stair) Grosskopf. She was raised in LaCrosse and graduated from LaCrosse Central High School in 1959. She married Wayne Papenfuss in LaCrosse on Sept. 17, 1960 and he preceded her in death on Nov. 14, 1962. On January 21, 1966, she married Rex Balentine in LaCrosse. He preceded her in death on March 12, 2010.

Barbara was a strong, stoic, generous, energetic and fun person. She enjoyed working at Nugent's Hallmark store for many years, as well as shopping and attending her granddaughter Addi's softball games. Barbara enjoyed being a part of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, as well as volunteering her time at Munson Medical Center and the Cowell Family Cancer Center. She especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Steven Donald (Beth) Balentine of Williamsburg, MI; Bradley James (Corinna) Balentine of Traverse City;MI and her grandchildren, Peter Ryan (Desiree) Balentine of Traverse City and Addison Balentine of Traverse City. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Donna Mauer.

At her request, no formal services will be held. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City, MI.

For a more lasting memorial, the family suggests that monetary gifts to remember Barbara be directed to the Traverse City Senior Center Building Fund, 801 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686 or to the Women's Cancer Fund, c/o Munson Regional Healthcare Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share your memories of Barbara with her family by visiting her online tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .