Susan M. Balentine 1945-2020

Susan, affectionately known as “Sue” was born on July 28, 1945, to the late Andrew and Suzanne Varkonda Chapel in Youngstown.

Sue graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School on the south side of Youngstown and attended Youngstown State University. Sue previously worked as a clerk for Strouss’ in downtown Youngstown, Gorant Candies in Boardman, Rulli Bros. in Boardman, and retired after 29 years as a cafeteria manager of Center Middle School in Boardman.

She was a longtime member of the former Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school and was a Youth Advisor in the 1960s. She was most recently a member of the Canfield Presbyterian Church.

In 1972, she was a charter member of the Twin State Auto Racing Club and coordinated the first regional stock car auto racing show at Southern Park Mall in 1973. She was also involved in auto racing for many years. She was a mechanic’s wife in the 70s, and later she sold photos of race teams at her son’s photo booth at local race tracks in Sharon, Mercer, Hickory, Expo and Raceway 7 in the 90s and 2000s.

Sue enjoyed local and national auto racing on the local dirt tracks, watching her favorite drivers — Lou Blaney, Rick Prosser and Guy Griffin — compete. She also enjoyed NASCAR, and rooted for Dave Blaney and his son, Ryan.

She enjoyed cheering for her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, collecting Nutcracker figurines and Siberian Husky stuffed animals. She loved playing with the various Siberian Huskies she raised over 30 years, including her present ones, a brother and sister pair, Max and Maggie (M&M).

She loved to go on shopping trips to Williamsburg, Va., with her good friend, Mary. Sue would spoil her grandsons with Chick-fil-A and Dairy Queen and never missed one of their Boardman soccer or lacrosse games.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, James R. Balentine of Boardman, whom she married in 1968; her son, James A. of Youngstown; her precious grandchildren, Steven and Jason Balentine of Boardman; her sisters, Donna (David) Wolfe and Myra (Bob) Miller; sister-in-law, Lorraine Chapel; eight nieces and nephews; and many extended family members.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard A. Chapel; and father and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Elizabeth Balentine.

Due to COVID-19, safety precautions will be taken. With that said, public visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman. The 6-foot rule will be honored, and we ask that all guests, whose health allows, wear a mask.

For the safety of everyone, we politely ask that visitors do not linger at the funeral home after seeing the family.

A private funeral service will be held Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Caprice Rehabilitation Center and Mercy Health at Boardman for their love, care and support for Sue.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

(special notice)