Jean M. Ballengee, 77, of New Castle, passed away the afternoon of May 17, 2016 at Jameson Care Center. Born August 9, 1938 in Butler, she was the daughter of Francis and Elizabeth Truby Leith. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jack Ballengee, whom she married on August 8, 1959. Jean was a graduate of Butler High School. Prior her employment with Jameson Hospital as a switchboard operator, she worked for the Lawrence County 911 call center. Among her many interests, Jean enjoyed bowling, swimming and especially babysitting her grandchildren. She loved music, especially music by Barry Manilow, and prided herself on knowing the words to all the songs. She was of Methodist faith. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Jill A. and Mark Kauffman of New Castle, and Holly and Ned Underwood of Warren, Ohio; one son and his wife, Jack S. and Sue Frampton Ballengee of New Castle; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her mother-in-law Ruby Gray of New Castle; sister-in-law Betty Leith of Butler; and a brother-in-law and his wife, J. Rodney and Lori Ballengee of Wellsville, NY. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Francis C. Leith. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle. A funeral service will take place immediately following visitation Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Mark Kauffman, Jean's son-in-law, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Online condolences may be offered at www.cunninghamfh.com