Roberta M. Ballenger

Roberta Malisa Ballenger passed away on October 27, 2025, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania at the age of 57. She was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on July 31, 1968, to Robert L. McCowin and the late Patricia M. Ballenger (Greenly). She was known by her many nieces and nephews as “Aunt Berta” and others as “Berta”. She had no children of her own but assisted in raising children within the family that needed a mother figure when no one else could carry the load. She will be remembered as the hilarious woman dancing around and drinking her beer. Her radiant nature would always lighten the mood in the room and surround her with lifelong friends; many sitting with us today. Roberta loved her family and friends. She stayed in touch with lifelong friends from childhood, and these lifelong friends are not friends of the Ballengers; they are family. Our loss isn’t a break in our bond. It will make us stronger. Aunt Berta was a witty, caring, and loving woman who could hold a grudge if she wanted to. Those grudges were nonexistent for Aunt Shell; they would fight one night and the next day go through life as if the fight never happened. The best of friends, sisters, and Ying to the others, Yang have finally united, and I’m sure they are arguing as we gather here today. Aunt Berta was not perfect, just as we all have flaws; we want to remember her life for all the joy she brought to each of us and the love of her family and friends. In addition to her father, Robert L. McCowin, Berta is survived by her siblings, Ernest Brooks, Ophelia Brooks, Tammy Wise (Ballenger), George Ballenger, husband of Barbara (Dixon), Ernest Ballenger husband of Darlene (Love), San Diego, CA, Angelia Ballenger, Sarah Thomas, and Christina McCowin; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Ballenger (Greenly), and her sister, Rochelle Ballenger. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Robert’s Funeral Service at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA., on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to The Groffs Family Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.