Marilyn Ballantyne

Marilyn A. Ballantyne believed that it was everyones responsibility to make the world a better place, and she did her best to do exactly that. She put her beliefs into practice as a devoted mother and grandmother, tireless volunteer, and loyal employee. She faced her own challenges in life with determination and optimism, refusing to give in to self-pity, and inspired others with her perseverance. Ewald and Elizabeth (Kanaar) Rollenhagen of Muskegon, Michigan, were unaware that economic disaster was just around the corner when they welcomed their third precious child into their family on May 22, 1929. They had no concept of a Great Depression while they were holding beautiful little Marilyn, and during those first few months there was little time to worry about anything other than caring for the new baby and trying to get some sleep. The stock market crashed that October and times got tough for everyone, but it made no difference to little Marilyn. In her mind, resourcefulness and making do with what she had were just the way things were. Her parents were among the fortunate to have employment. Ewald was a salesman for Fitzpatrick Electric and Elizabeth worked at Grossman's Department Store in downtown Muskegon. Marilyn toddled after her siblings, Eloise and Kenneth, in their home in Muskegon Heights. At age 7, she and the family moved to their new home on Isabella Avenue, across from Muskegon High School. She spent her days learning to play and share, as well as, to stand up for herself. There was plenty of laughter and rivalry, and always a loving home waiting for them. They were close and the family regularly attended Calvary Baptist Church in town. While in high school, Marilyn joined the rest of the globe in praying for the end of the horrors of World War II and waiting for friends and loved ones to return safely. She enjoyed school itself, participating in theatre and earning the honor of being selected to attend Girls State in Lansing, a leadership program for juniors. She got good grades and was proud of her work. In 1945, she rejoiced that the war was finally over. The next year, she graduated from high school and found a job as a teller at Lumberman's Bank. She worked hard and became a genuine asset to the bank, eventually advancing to the position of trust officer. She developed a good reputation in the community and was well known throughout the area. She retired in 1987. Shortly after graduating high school, Marilyn met a military man named James Bill Ballantyne. They fell in love and were married in September of 1948. Marilyn joined Bill in El Paso, Texas, where he was stationed for a short time. After his discharge, they returned to Muskegon, establishing a home on Fifth Street for themselves that would later include their two daughters. Marilyn was overjoyed to welcome her precious daughters, Lisa in 1954 and Laura in 1960. The girls were of utmost importance to her, and when she and Bill divorced in 1963 she determinedly took on the role of single mother. She made sure that her daughters knew how important they were to her, and she always made time for their activities and friends. Family vacations were a top priority to all three of them. They loved camping at Hoffmaster State Park near the Lake Michigan shoreline. It didn't take much to get Marilyn to the beach. Who cared about dusting the furniture when the sun was shining! They enjoyed summer trips to Silver Lake, Cedar Point, Chicago, and Traverse City. Michigan was the perfect place for someone like Marilyn. There was plenty to do in the summer, but winter offered another array of activities, like ice skating, sledding, and snow skiing. Her friend Joy Nelson from work often joined her on her ski outings. Marilyn also played on the bank's softball and bowling teams. Marilyn believed in the vital importance of community involvement. She supported the Muskegon Big Reds as a regular football game attendee, both during the regular season and at their state championship games, and also supported the Public Schools Education Fund. Instead of complaining about the way things were, she rolled up her sleeves and went to work on the Muskegon Zoning Board of Appeals, the Hume Home Board, the Red Cross, and the Hackley Hospital Gift Shop. She was an usher at the Frauenthal Theater, supported the Muskegon Rescue Mission, and served in the Womens Division of the Chamber of Commerce. Marilyn encouraged a vision for the global community by putting flags along Seaway Drive for Zonta Club, an organization that works to advance the status of women around the world. She also recognized recycling as a valuable way to improve her corner of the globe. As a member of First Baptist Church, she knew that there was more to life than just her desires here on earth and her faith gave her a broad perspective about her purpose in life. Marilyn liked spending time with friends, and some of her dearest were fellow members of the bridge club she was in for sixty years. Her eightieth birthday was a great time of being with the people she knew and loved the best. All of her activities would have made it hard to guess that she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of forty. Over the years, she endured over twenty surgeries and the replacement of several joints in her hands and feet. In the face of persistent pain, she refused to let it get the best of her, especially when it came to spending time with her family. She looked forward to every minute with her daughters and had a regular Thursday date with her granddaughter, Amanda. They visited the Monet Garden, Hackley Library, area museums, and whatever yard sales they came across, topping off their trips with a stop at the Whippi Dip for ice cream or the Lakeside Emporium for candy. Marilyn often said that Amanda was the light of her life. Despite Marilyn's steadfast spirit, time and disease began to take their toll. She fought to remain with her family, even for just a little while longer, and in the end she knew she had done her best to hold on. She will be missed, but she made sure that her daughters and Amanda knew how special they were to her. She will encourage them to move forward even as they look back on her example of devotion, service, and perseverance. Marilyn died on Sunday, August 14, 2011. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Michael) Dillingham of Colorado Springs and Laura (Timothy) Hichue of Muskegon; a granddaughter, Amanda Hichue; a brother, Kenneth (Karolyn) Rollenhagen; sister-in-law, Elaine Sikkenga; friend and cousin, Edith Kemp; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Eloise Wright; and former husband, Bill Ballantyne. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. John Brown officiating. Interment will be at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 17, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. as well as on Thursday one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions to the American Red Cross and the Big Red Ed Club are appreciated. Please visit Marilyn's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite photo or memory or sign her online guest book.