Eileen Marie Ballash

Eileen is survived by her children, Marie Gawelek (Oh), Michael Ballash (Fl), Thomas Ballash (Christina) (Fl), Robert Ballash (Fl), Anita Podlogar (Fred) (Oh). She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, Heather, Linda, Ciara, Michael, Elise, Audrey, Clayton, Stephanie, Caleb, Steven, Olivia, Owen, Oliver and Oscar, as well as two great-grandchildren, Madison and Joseph. She is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-six years, Raymond Michael Ballash, her parents, James and Thelma (Havice) Stadler, sisters, Catherine and Alice, brothers, William, Robert, David, John and James. She is also preceded in death by her late-life-love, Harry Pitcher. They were married May 10, 2014 until his death in December of 2015.

Eileen was born on June 30, 1933 in Sandusky, Ohio. Growing up on a 11 acre farm, she learned the fundamentals of hard work and sacrifice, early on. She graduated from Margaretta High School in 1951. After moving to Cleveland, she began working for Sterling Linder Davis as an assistant fur buyer, then eventually Ohio Bell as a telephone board operator. She married Raymond Michael Ballash, also an Ohio Bell employee, on October 5, 1957. Over the years the couple welcomed six children into their home and Eileen set about teaching them to be healthy, self-sufficient, cooks and nature lovers. She would go on to have many careers that she enjoyed in addition to her taking care of her large family. Her children remember her as a radiant, energetic mother who gave her all without ceasing to encourage and support them in all their life’s goals.

Eileen was an accomplished at seamstress, jeweler and ballroom and square dancer. She was a vivacious, genuine individual who loved to travel, laugh, garden and visit with friends. She was passionate about her family. She was an active and dedicated member of the Catholic Church her entire life. A member of St. Columbkille Parish in Seven Hills, OH for forty years where she served as the Ladies Guild President for many terms. She ended her journey as a member of St. Mary's in Tampa, Florida where she celebrated her love of Christ for ten years.

A memorial service is scheduled for June 11, 2016 at 1 pm at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida, with a reception to follow at Eileen's family home. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Eileen’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Children's Dream Fund, One Progress Plaza, Suite 1830

St. Petersburg, FL 33701 or to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust at 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076. The family would like to thank everyone who has touched Eileen’s life in a positive and meaningful way. She will never be forgotten. Her brilliant light will never go out as her memories live on through each of us.

Arrangements under the direction of Blount & Curry FH-Carrollwood, TAMPA, FL.