Zetha V. Ballinger

Zetha V. Ballinger passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 5, 2026. Her wish to live to the age of 90 was granted in May, when her family gathered at her favorite restaurant to celebrate her milestone birthday and the long, good life she had lived.

Zetha married Raymond Thomas Ballinger, Jr. on July 9, 1954. In the early years of their marriage, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency. She was always proud of her time with the CIA and loved sharing funny stories about things that had been top secret all those years ago.

Zetha and Ray went on to have two sons, David and William. She became a stay-at-home mom while the boys were young, volunteering her time with the Lanham Boy’s Club. When the boys started school, she became a parent volunteer and librarian at St. Mathias Catholic School in Lanham, where the boys attended. She loved telling stories about being called upon to go on field trips with children she didn’t even know. But Zetha took her role as a parent volunteer seriously and was always willing to help wherever she was needed.

She later became the head librarian at DeMatha Catholic High School, a position she held for 37 years. Zetha took great pride in bringing the library into pristine condition and maintaining it that way throughout her years at the school. Her work meant a great deal to her, which made the decision to retire after 50 years as a librarian in catholic schools especially difficult.

Zetha enjoyed reading and was rarely found without her Kindle. She could read multiple novels in a week, especially enjoying James Patterson books and other crime mysteries. Crocheting was another passion that kept her busy. She made many gorgeous afghans and doll clothes as gifts for family and friends over the years. We will enjoy her pieces for years to come!

In retirement, Zetha continued to meticulously care for the Silver Spring home she had loved for 48 years. She cut the grass herself, tended her beautiful rose bushes and gardens, and especially enjoyed spending time outdoors. Eventually, at the spry age of 85, she agreed to sell her longtime home and move to Calvert County to be with family.

Zetha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond; her parents, Frank and Margaret Osborne; and older brother, Frank; her older sister, Mary Beidler, who raised her; and her nephew, Roy Beidler. She was also preceded in death by many beloved members of the Ballinger family whom she had known and loved through the years.

Zetha leaves behind a family who loved her dearly, including her two sons, David Thomas (Susan) and William Patrick (Linda); four grandchildren, Crystal (Tom), David Jr. (Julia), Kelsey (Griffin), and Kyle (Cameo); four great-grandchildren, Lexi (Colin), Kaylie (Saul), Brody, and Briar; and one great-great-grandbaby-to-be, Crew Thomas.

After thirty-one years and two months apart, Zetha will be reunited with Raymond at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.

It will be a glorious reunion.