Ilene Herron

Ilene Herron, age 83, of Johnson, Kansas died Friday, March 21, 2014 at Stanton County Long Term Care Unit in Johnson, Kansas. She was born August 7, 1930 in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of James and Bessie (Ewing) Ballinger.

Ilene lived in Buffalo, Oklahoma, Protection, Kansas, and Plains, Kansas. In May of 1942, she moved south of Saunders, Kansas. She attended high school in Manter, where she met Marvin T. Herron. They were married on August 24, 1946 in Garden City, Kansas, after he graduated high school. After marriage, she helped her husband with the farm work, including driving truck and tractors. She also drove the school bus for many years. She was the last charter member living of the First Baptist Church established in 1951. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School. She loved raising sheep, chickens, and maintaining her yard and flower gardens.

Survivors include her three daughters, Barbara Hammond and husband Alva of Goodwell, Oklahoma, Judy O’Bryan of Johnson, Kansas, Linda Hammond and husband Ray of Garden City, Kansas; brother, James Ballinger of Tribune, Kansas; two sisters, Bonnie Jones of Goddard, Kansas, Catherine Dillon of Pueblo, Colorado; 11 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.

Ilene is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin T. Herron in April 2010; son, Curtis Herron; son-in-law, Don O’Bryan; grandson, Jared O’Bryan; brother, Ronnie Ballinger; and. sisters, Elsie Hammond and Alice Murray.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Johnson, Kansas with Pastor Bill Lavielle and grandson, Pastor Darrin Hammond officiating. Interment will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson, Kansas. Friends may call from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, March 24, 2014 at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, Kansas 67855.