Marion L. Ballenstedt, 90, of Sayre, PA, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at the Sayre Health Care Center, surrounded by love. She was born on June 24, 1926 in Sayre, PA the daughter of the late Leonard R. and Thursa M. (Allen) Hastings. Marion graduated from Athens High School, Class of 1944 and continued her education at the Robert Packer School of Nursing and Mansfield College, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in 1947. She was a member of the US Cadet Nurses' Corps from 1941-1948. Marion was a dedicated and caring nurse. She was employed with Tioga General Hospital, Robert Packer Hospital as a Private Duty Nurse from 1962-1971 and the Guthrie Clinic for 17 years of as Head of Nursing in the GI Department, retiring in 1988. She married the love of her life, William H. Ballenstedt on January 10, 1953 at St. Joseph's Church, Athens, and celebrated 53 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2005. Marion's faith was very important to her. She was a former member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, serving as past President of the Altar & Rosary Society, and past President of the Catholic Daughters, serving as Counselor for 8 years to girls ages 10-18. She was a current member of the Church of Epiphany. She was a past member of Jaycees, serving as President, Treasurer of the PTA, and Homeroom Mother on several occasions being very active during her children's school days. Marion also served on the Athens Borough, 2nd Ward, 7th District Election Board and was a member of the Susquehanna Valley Audubon Society. Marion was honored on her 90th birthday with a special recognition from State Representative Tina Pickett. She also enjoyed Gospel Music, Blue Grass Music, and the Big Band sounds of the 40's and 50's. She loved the song, "At Last" as it was her and Bill's favorite song. She loved and treasured every member of her family. She touched many lives while nursing and made many lifetime friendships. Marion loved to talk; nobody was a stranger to her. She is predeceased by her husband, William H. Ballenstedt in 2005, son, William K. Ballenstedt in 2010, brother and sister-in-law Dr. Richard A. and Marge Hastings, and sister and brother-in-law, Virginia M. and Leo Novak. Marion is survived by her children, George and Toni Ballenstedt of Sayre, PA, Mary and Dr. Thomas Young of Camp Hill, PA, and Joan Ballenstedt (Marion’s own personal nurse), of Sayre, PA, grandchildren, Brittany and Major Geoffrey Anderson (USAF), and Anthony (Kasey) Peterson Sr., great-grandchildren, Miranda (Collin) Peterson, Anthony, Kasidy, Jared, and Kaylee Peterson, and Paige and William Anderson, her great-great-grandson, Malachi Peterson as well as others in the extended family and many friends. Family and friends may call on Sunday, February 19, 2017 from 3 pm – 5 pm at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 9:30am at the Church of the Epiphany, 304 South Elmer Avenue, Sayre, PA with the Rev. Vincent Langan officiating. Marion requested that her time of passing be a time of sharing memories and not of sorrow; she wanted anyone who attended her services to wear bright colors. A private burial will be held at Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA. Marion was an avid reader and lover of animals and requested that any donations in her memory be made to a library or an animal shelter of your choice.