Published on February 16, 2026 6:28 am
Last Updated on February 17, 2026 9:41 am
Peggy Gelene Ballinger, 93, of Effingham got her wings at 6:15 pm on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Peggy was February 21, 1932 in Salem, Missouri, the daughter of Dan and Ola Holland. Her family relocated to Effingham in search of work, where they made their home and operated a sawmill.
Peggy married Robert Lee “Bob” Ballinger, Sr. on February 2, 1951. They were married over 50 years. Their marriage was blessed with identical twin boys, Robert Dee and Donald Lee, who unfortunately died a few weeks after birth. Peggy and Robert were also blessed with two more children, Catherine K. Field and Robert Ballinger, Jr. She had three grandchildren, Justin Field, Luke Ballinger, and Kara Ballinger. Peggy also had two great-grandchildren, Callie Field and Logan Ballinger.
Peggy had a larger-than-life personality and deeply loved her family and friends. She had a passion for music and could play the piano, guitar, banjo, and nearly any instrument placed in her hands. She loved to sing and dance, and she was an avid bowler. Peggy also enjoyed cooking for a crowd and frequently opened her home to welcome family and friends. During the winters, Bob and Peggy traveled to Texas to escape the cold Illinois weather, where they made many new friends and became part of the Weslaco community. Peggy shared her musical talents and brought joy to others through her music. She cherished her summers at Lake Sara, enjoying swimming, boating, and cookouts with family and friends. Peggy worked at Norge, was a beautician, owned a clothing store, and was a realtor. Together, Bob and Peggy operated a sawmill, and Bob also worked as a timber buyer.
Members of her family who arrived in heaven before her include her parents; the love of her life, Bob; her twin boys; her siblings, Herbert Holland, Germaine Scott, and Patsy Holland Willis; Bob’s siblings, Don Ballinger, Wanda West, Ruby Tabor, Judy Traub, and Bill Ballinger, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Peggy was the last surviving sibling on both sides of her family. She will rejoice in their reunion at heaven’s gate; what a party that will be.