KAREN SUE BALLINGER (nee Krejcier), age 83, beloved wife of Donald R. "Bob"; mother of Monica Costella (deceased) (Joseph); grandmother and special friend of Stephanie Reyes (Luis); daughter of the late June (nee Dunneback) and Charles Krejcier; sister of Carolyn Tenwick (deceased) and Kathy Krejcier (Joyce DeCluett); aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend of many. Passed away January 6, 2026.

Karen was very popular at Strongsville High School, being both head cheerleader and homecoming queen. Beyond this, she was also named Outstanding Senior Athlete. She had a short modeling career following graduation. Karen has excelled in non-traditional roles throughout her lifetime. She became interested in the drag racing circuit and, in 1965, was the NHRA Summer Nationals Class Champion. Over the years, she has served as Service Manager for several automobile dealerships. During her lifetime interest in sports, she played league volleyball for the majority of her adult life and joined her husband in various pool leagues. As age precluded active athletic participation, her favorite pastimes became riding in the golf cart with her still golfing husband, Bob, along with her new favorite hobby: touring Ohio wineries.