Mrs. Eleanor Mae "Punkin" Ballenger Richardson

Eleanor Mae “Punkin” Ballenger Richardson died peacefully, with family at her bedside, on the evening of February 19, 2023, in Seneca. Punkin was born August 23, 1936, and raised in Seneca, SC, the daughter of Woodfin “Monk” and Elizabeth “Nana” Ballenger. Monk’s Army career took the family to North Carolina, Georgia ,and Tennessee before settling back in Seneca. Punkin attended Seneca High School and Queens College (Charlotte) before capturing and marrying the love of her life, Don A. Richardson, MD. Together they raised three children, doting on them with fantastical Christmas mornings, neighborhood beach and ski trips, dreamy family vacations, in adventures that progressed from sailboats, houseboats, lake lots, river lots, beaches, and cruises, to trips around the world. Punkin was adventurous, participating in family horseback riding lessons, snow skiing, sailing, and sledding. Her talent for creating magical escapes, such as the Keowee gazebo and the teenager hangout in her basement, supplied many happy moments for family and friends. She was an artist and encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue their artistic talents for their own pleasure and for hers. Punkin was unfailingly generous. With her parents and siblings, she donated the Ballenger family home to the women of Seneca as a place for local clubs to meet and thrive. She organized a family gift to the Oconee Memorial Foundation for the Critical Care Waiting Room in honor of her husband and his medical service to Oconee County. She was constantly adopting cast-away cats and dogs and caring for them through all their pains and adversities. Punkin was a trustee of the Seneca Woman’s Club and a golden roll member of the Once-a-Week Club. She was a member of Seneca Presbyterian Church. Punkin is survived by her children Lisa Mobley of Greenville, Mimi Hunt of Seneca, and Jeff Richardson of Weaverville NC, their families, including son-in-law Kenny Hunt, daughter-in-law Gail Richardson, and grandchildren David Hunt; Allen, Elizabeth, and Anna Mobley; and Carter and Riley Richardson; sister Anna Weil of Charlotte and her children, Nina, Christian, and Russell, and their families; and her brother Grady Ballenger of DeLand FL, his wife Karen, and sons Nicholas and Jon, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband, Don Richardson, and her son-in-law Tom Mobley. She is also survived by her compassionate and dedicated friend Annie Verner and her family, and all the family and friends who make up the wonderful Robin Drive neighborhood, a kingdom and refuge for all of us. A special thanks to her devoted friend Lyn Norton and the blessing she has been to Punkin and family during the years of Punkin’s limited mobility. Thanks too to the doctors and caregivers at the Critical Care Unit at Oconee Memorial ,who brought comfort and kindness to her last days. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Seneca Presbyterian Church, South First Street, with the Rev. Richard W. Caldwell and the Rev. Jack Taylor officiating. The family will receive visitors following the service at the Seneca Woman’s Club, 212 East South Third Street. The family requests no flowers. Memorials can be made to the Seneca Presbyterian Church, the Seneca Woman’s Club, the Oconee County Humane Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Davenport Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Eleanor Mae "Punkin" Ballenger Richardson

August 23, 1936 - February 19, 2023