Ernest Ballinger

Ernest C. Butch Ballinger, 53, of Helena, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls from complications of pneumonia.A memorial service for Butch will be held in the spring. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Butch was born on March 24, 1960 in McPherson, Kansas to Ernest C. Ballinger and Eileen J. (Kuntz) Ballinger. His father was in the Air Force so the family moved a lot in his younger years eventually settling in Great Falls. His parents later divorced. His mom remarriedand the family moved to the Townsend area. Butch enjoyed a childhood with his family exploring ghost towns, fishing, swimming, campingand teasing his sisters endlessly.He left Townsend to pursue his dreams, returning to Helena to make his home until his death.Butch was married twice and had one daughter, who he was extremely proud of, he loved her more than words could say and talked about her all the time.Butch loved to cook and had worked at several area restaurants, until his health forced him to quit.Volunteering at Gods Love brought him a lot of satisfaction being able to help others. He felt that the people he got to know there were like a second family to him.He is survived by his sisters, Kathy (Larry) Miller of Gladstone, ND, Elaine (Jose) Hernandez of Nashville, NC, and Roberta (Sturdevant) Scow (Tom Antonick) of Helena;daughter Tawnya J. (Ballinger)Miller of Gladstone, ND; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.Butch was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; father Ernest Ballinger; mother Eileen (Ballinger) Sturdevant; step-father Robert Sturdevant; and an infant sister, Raelena Ballinger.Memorials in Butchs name can be made to Gods Love Inc., 533 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601, or a charity of your choice.