David Owen Ballinger

David Owen Ballinger, 82, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on May 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous journey with dementia. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loyal friend, and faithful man of God, Dave lived with humility, integrity, and steadfast love for his family and community.

Born on June 1, 1943, in Yakima, Washington, Dave was raised in Terrace Heights by his parents, Owen and Alice Ballinger, alongside his sister, Shirley. From an early age, he built lifelong friendships and developed a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and community. During his school years, he met the love of his life, Maxine, beginning a partnership rooted in faith, loyalty, laughter, and enduring love.

Dave was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. He carried himself with kindness, patience, and quiet wisdom, and he was someone others could always count on. He protected and provided for those he loved without hesitation. His faith in God guided him through every season of life, and he served faithfully as an active member and trustee at Bethany Community Church.

Dave graduated from Central Washington University with a focus in business administration. Throughout his career in banking, he earned the respect of many through his honesty, leadership, and strong work ethic. Although opportunities arose to pursue larger positions elsewhere, he chose family over prestige, prioritizing time with his children, coaching their sports teams, and building a meaningful life centered on faith, family, and community.

Dave found joy in the simple and familiar pleasures of life. He loved baseball and basketball, horses and horseback riding, and time spent outdoors hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed the adventure of gold panning and had a special appreciation for antiques, especially clocks that reflected craftsmanship and history. He took great pride in his home, caring meticulously for his yard and tending his roses with quiet dedication. Some of his most treasured moments were vacations with family and friends, where laughter, rest, and togetherness came naturally. Above all, he loved sharing memories and telling stories, bringing warmth, humor, and connection to those around him.

Dave loved a good card game and was known for a gentle joke or teasing remark. Beneath his reserved nature was a thoughtful and sentimental man whose steady presence brought comfort and security to so many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Alice; his sister, Shirley; his brother-in-law, Rich; and his beloved great-grandson, Stetson James Taxdahl.

Dave is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Maxine; his daughter, Jodi, and her children, Josh (Jess) and their son, Sky, and Sara; his son, Jeff (Ashlee), and their children, Brandon (Tabitha) and Trenton; and his youngest son, Jason (Kim), and their daughter, Karli (Colton), and their son, Truett. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dan Helmn (Shelley), as well as many nieces and nephews.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, humility, hard work, and devotion to family. Dave’s life reflected God’s faithfulness, and though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is now fully restored and at home with the Lord he faithfully followed throughout his life.

A celebration of life will be held at Bethany Community Church, 201 Birch Ave, Grandview, WA 98930-1325, on June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with reception to follow.

Memories and condolences can be shared at the following website: www.funeralhomesmith.com 

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Heartlinks Adult Family Care Team for the extraordinary care, compassion, and support they provided Dave.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Dave may consider either a donation to Heartlinks Hospice at www.heartlinkshospice.org or Bethany Community Church of Grandview, WA; www.bethanygrandview.org

Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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