Sonia Elizabeth Ballentine, age 88 of Newton Falls passed away peacefully into rest on Friday night Dec. 19, 2025 at her residence. She was born on March 4, 1937 in Canonsburg, PA, the daughter of the late John A. Marchesi & Mary Elizabeth (Staley) Marchesi. Sonia graduated from Newton Falls High School in the Class of 1955. Sonia ran off and married the love of her life, Lester Elliot Ballentine on August 3, 1955 and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage together until his death on Sept. 13, 2016. She worked as a Deli Manager for Nemenz Food Store in Deerfield for three years but her greatest pride came from being a wife and raising her children. She was a member of the Four Square Gospel Church for many years and enjoyed reading, playing computer games, puzzles and had a deep love for animals. One of her other greatest accomplishments was running the food program at Trinity Fellowship in Lake Milton where she helped 100's of family in their time of need. Sonia was preceded in death by her mother Mary Wilson, her father's John Marchesi and Andrew Wilson, her husband, Lester Elliot Ballentine, her son, Dale Balentine, sisters, Kathleen Wilson, Loretta Miller, Dolores Yater, Ethel Marie and Marion Marcase; brothers; George and Donald Ramsey and her Aunt Pearl Walker.

She is survived by: her daughter: Kristine Yaratch of Berlin Center; sons, Thomas E. (Patti) Ballentine of Citra, Fl., Glenn T. Ballentine of Newton Falls, Timothy J. (Jeane) Ballentine of Deerfield, Andrew (Mandy) Ballentine of Stanley, N.C., sister, Cheryl (James) Bridges of Newton Falls and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Private family services will be held at James Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest beside her husband Lester at Palmyra West Cemetery in Diamond, OH.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444. (330)872-5440. Family & friends may view her obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com