Laura Jean Galleher

Laura Jean (Ballinger) Galleher, 86.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Laura Jean gently left this life to reunite with her beloved husband of 60 years, William Thomas (Tom) Galleher. Laura Jean was born Friday, January 7, 1938 to the late Edward and Lillian (Neuert) Ballinger in Akron, Ohio, and lived in the Green area most of her life. She graduated from Kenmore High School in 1956. In June of 1959, Laura Jean and Tom were wed. They raised three daughters, and years later, added three loving son-in-laws to their family, followed by nine grandchildren, five grandchildren-in-law, and four great-grandchildren.

Laura Jean worked as a real estate secretary for many years. She started at the Knaggs Realty, then moved to work for the Payne Family at Century 21. She also was very involved in the Lakeview Christian Church's Children's Ministry. Lovingly known as "Miss Jean", she taught generations of children, with some growing up to bring their own children to her Sunday School classes. When she would walk through the church hallways, "Miss Jean" could often be heard from the children and adults as they would run to hug her. Helping children learn about God and His love was a passion for her that she never lost. She and Tom also enjoyed volunteering at The Green Good Neighbors, handing out homemade confections, bringing meals to those in need, and working at the yearly BBQs at the Canton Christian Home, where the two of them moved into after they retired.

Though known as Laura Jean, Mrs. Galleher, Mom, and Miss Jean, it was the name "BooBoo" that she cherished most of all. First given to her by her eldest grandson, it became the name all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends came to love calling her.

In addition to her parents, Laura Jean was preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas Galleher, brothers, Ed Ballinger, Bob Ballinger, and brother-in-law, Jerry Stewart. She is survived by her daughters, Beth (Adam) Prokop, Cyndy (John) Lloyd, Robin (Lance) Bonin; grandchildren, Joshua (Patricia) Prokop, Jeremy (Stephanie) Prokop, Jacob (Mckenzie) Prokop, Amy Prokop, Kyle Lloyd, Kevin Lloyd, Cody (Abigail) Lloyd, Brittany (Bryan) Monroe, Brett Bonin; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Prokop, Spiro Prokop, Reed Lloyd, Meredith Jean Monroe; sisters, BJ (Jim) Durbin, Patty Stewart; brother-in-law, Dan (Sylvia) Galleher; sister-in-law, Mickey (Dave) Duerler;  and many other loving family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Lakeview Christian Church, 4613 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio 44319, with  Pastor Jim Gindlesberger Officiating. Refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Lakeview Christian Church, Children's Ministry, Attn: Contributions, 4613 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44319.