Randolph, NJ     The Rev. Mary Lou Ballentine, (67) died on January 25 at Merry Heart Health Care Center in Succasunna.  She was born and raised in Belleville and lived in Succasunna before moving to Randolph eight years ago.  She did her undergraduate work at Albion College in Michigan, obtained her Bachelor of Divinity at Drew University, and was ordained in the Northern New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1969.  She served the Morrow Memorial Church in Maplewood, Epworth UMC in Elizabeth, Union Village UMC in Berkeley Heights, and Green Village UMC in Harding Twp.  Her final appointment was to the Succasunna UMC, where she served for 14 years before retiring and being honored as pastor emerita in 2002.  She was on the Board of Ordained Ministry, was instrumental in the establishment of Aldersgate Camp in Swartswood, led her congregation in outreach to the community, and was a past President of the Roxbury Twp. Clergy Council.  She was also a great cook and loved the N J shore.

She is survived by her husband Clifford “Kip” of 31 years, son Matthew (and Amanda) of Chillicothe, OH and daughter Elizabeth (and James) Simons of Washington Boro.  She also leaves her 2 grandchildren Aaron and Madison, and sister-in-law Barbara (and Frank) Signorelli of Jay, NY.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, at the Succasunna United Methodist Church, 91 Main St., at 11am with the interment to follow at the church cemetery.  The Family will hold a reception at the church following the interment.  Arrangements are by Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main St, Succasunna, NJ (973-584-7264) davishepplewhitefh.com.  Donations may be made in her name to the church or the National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741.