Lorena A. Costa

Lorena A. Costa, 97, passed away on February 7, 2022 at Park Village Southside in New Philadelphia, Ohio. She was born in Stewardsville, Ohio on June 27, 1924. She was the daughter of the late Herman and Nettie (Hina) Ballentine. On April 6, 1946, she married William Costa, and they enjoyed 57 years together before his passing on August 3, 2003. Together, they had three daughters and built a foundation of love for their entire family.

A lifelong resident of the area, Lorena enjoyed being a homemaker and spending time with her family. She enjoyed being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending time with her friends and playing cards. She was an extremely talented seamstress and, throughout the years, made outfits for special moments for many residents in the area. She was so gifted that many called upon her for bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses and, at the age of 92, made Christening gowns for her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed making clothes for Barbie dolls, Cabbage Patch dolls, and American Girl dolls that she would give as gifts to family and friends. She was active in her church and was known for donating her apple pies to every church event. She attended several veterans’ events throughout her marriage to Bill who was a WWII veteran. To her family and those who knew her, Lorena was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Sandy (Phill) Ashkettle, Patty Laughlin, and Cindy (Jim) Jursik, along with her grandchildren, Rhonda Ashkettle, Shelby Sweeney, Danielle Tedesco, Leslie Besozzi, Brett Patton, Lynn Ashkettle, Karen Baker, Matt Ashkettle, Brittany Jursik, and Courtney Skelton. She was also blessed by 19 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. In addition, she is survived by her loving sister-in-law, Ginny Ballentine. In addition to her parents and husband, Lorena was preceded in death by her brothers, Ray, Bill, Jack, and Herb Ballentine; her sister, Alice Toland; and her son-in-law, Bill Laughlin.

Pastor Kory Rowland will officiate her funeral at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 10, at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. She will be interred beside her beloved husband in Uhrichsville’s Union Cemetery on a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Uhrichsville First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 426, Uhrichsville, OH  44683.