Judith "Judi" Charlene (Eldridge) Ballinger

Judith “Judi” Charlene Ballinger, 71, of Saratoga, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Reid Health in Richmond surrounded by her family.  Judi was born on March 8, 1953, in Knoxville, TN to Charles and Bertha (Case) Eldridge.

On August 31, 1971, Judi married the love of her life, Rodney Ballinger at the Portland Baptist Church.  For those that knew her, you knew when she was in the room.  There was never a dull (or quiet) moment when she was around.  There was always lots of laughter.  Rodney says she was “The World’s Best Cook”; she could cook anything. She enjoyed making and decorating cookies which she took to the nursing home. 

Judi was very proud of and loved her grandchildren very much.  She loved going to the pool and spoiling her dog, Mazie Mae.  Judi absolutely loved working in the cafeteria for Randolph Central Schools.  She retired from there after working there several years.  Judi will be greatly missed and forever loved. 

Judi is survived by her husband Rodney; her two sons, Cory Ballinger and Michael Ballinger; three grandchildren, Xavier, MyKaeyla, and Jaslyn; and a great grandson, Lukas; her sister, Polly Vorhees-Rhoades; longtime friend, Georgina Foth; and several nieces and nephews. 

Judi was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Bertha; three sisters, Lynda, Jeannette (Dale Hart), and Penny Eldridge; and brother, David.

A service to celebrate Judi’s life will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home in Winchester, with Pastor Danny Hines officiating.  Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Maxville.

Family and friends may call two hours prior to services (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) on Thursday at the funeral home.

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