Reba Nell Ballentine

Dec 19, 1933 – May 30,2023

Reba Nell Ballentine, 89, of South Daytona, formerly of Chestertown, Maryland, New Jersey and Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving Family, at the Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. Reba was a very loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.

Reba was born on December 19,1933 to the late Robert Elgin Copeland and Edna Avis (Parker) Copeland in Jefferson, Texas. Upon graduation from high school, she went to Scott and White School of Nursing in Belton, Texas and got her Nursing degree. While there, she met the love of her life, James Arthur Ballentine while he was stationed at Fort Hood. They had their 68th wedding anniversary on May 12, 2023.

After marrying Jim, she relocated to New Jersey. Jim promised her he would take her back to Texas every year for as long as she wanted to go. He kept his promise and they returned to her hometown every year. Reba worked as a nurse in the Hospital and later as a nurse in a doctor's office.

Reba was committed to her marriage and her family. She did everything she could to make sure her son, daughter and granddaughter knew she loved them.

Reba was an excellent seamstress and made all kinds of clothes, mended clothes and mended upholstery. She also enjoyed crocheting afghans, embroidering and quilting.

Reba had as much wanderlust as her husband. They started RV'ing in the 70's. She was the one who had the keen eye for how the motor homes' interior was designed and how functional it would be and the sewing machine had to have a home. This was key in each one they purchased because at first it was weekend trips then after retirement they spent months on the road, travelling to every state except Hawaii. Often Reba led sewing sessions for FMCA members to make items for charities in towns they travelled to. They stopped RV'ing when they were both 85 years old.

After living the life of a snowbird for 30 years from Maryland to Florida, they relocated full time to South Daytona 5 years ago.

Reba is survived by, Daughter Deb Ballentine, Son Jim ( Linda ) Ballentine and her Granddaughter Crystal ( Dean ) Bazzle. She was preceded in death by husband, James Arthur Ballentine, her parents, 2 sisters, Wanda and Mary, and 3 brothers, Douglas, Gus and Mickey.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 9 at 11am at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, 1423 Bellevue Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Halifax Health Hospice Care, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.

Condolences may be shared with the Family here on our online guestbook.

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona.