Diane Marie Ballinger

     Diane Marie Ballinger, age 71, of St. Johns, MI, passed away on December 19, 2025, at Ashley Care Center in Ashley, MI.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. A Vigil Service will be held on Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
      Diane was born in Owosso, MI on September 27, 1954, the daughter of William Dale and Florence Isabelle (Parks) Porubsky. She graduated from Ashley High School, with the class of 1972. She worked as a Secretary Supervisor for the State of Michigan, before retiring in 2017. She married Brent Ballinger at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, MI, and they spent 45 wonderful years together.
     Diane was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as the priest's cook for many years, and keeping score at the youth basketball games. She was also an active member of the St. Johns Garden Club.  She loved to cook, bake, and go on occasional casino trips with Brent. Diane was known for her sense of style, her passion for gardening and cooking, but mainly for the love and care she had for her family.
     She is survived by her husband, Brent; her mother, Florence; her children: John (Darya) Lemke, Jeremy Ballinger, Jay (BriAnna) Ballinger, and Sara Ballinger; five grandchildren: Kade, Matvey, William, Bo, and Sylvester; her brother Jim Porubsky; her sister Shirley Porubsky; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, in-laws: Max and Onalee Ballinger; her brother-in-law Jeff Ballinger; and her beloved dog Obie.
     Memorials may be made to Dementia Society of America or American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.