Michael Paul Ballas
Michael was born on November 9, 1937, in Fresno, CA to Albert Everett and Marie Pauline Jahnke Ballas. He passed away peacefully on July 14, 2018, in Clovis, CA at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 5 days. He was a beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.
He spent his early years in Fresno, CA attending Chester Rowell and Webster Elementary Schools. When he was 16 years old, he moved to Clovis with his family. As an adult, Michael attended various ARC activities and programs: the Production Center at Duncan Ceramics, Kelso Activity Center, and the Enrichment Center. Up until November 2017, he attended Social Vocational Services in Clovis. He loved going to “work” and would be quite upset if for some reason he could not attend. Michael earned ribbons for his artwork entries in the Fresno Fair and for his participation in Special Olympics running in the 50-yard dash, jumping in the long jump, and throwing a ball.
Michael was an extremely happy person. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease and joke with everyone. Outdoors was what he truly loved. Swinging on his swing, being with his dogs, or riding his bike were his favorite things to do. Other enjoyments for him were attending family parties and traveling; but above all, he loved being the sheriff. He proudly wore his sheriff’s badge and if you did something wrong, he would give you a ticket! While outdoors, it was his daily routine to wait for the milkman, mailman, and the paperboy; always ready to talk and talk as he made friends easily. When doing Michael’s laundry, you’d better check his pockets because they would be filled with trinkets from the day. Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were his preferred shows, but he also loved car races and going to car shows. It was easy to see that red was his favorite color. When getting dressed he would dig for his red shirts, his number one choice!
Michael loved his family and his family loved him. He was preceded in death by: his parents, his sister Barbara Mayhew, his brother-in-law Bill Flowers, and his great nephews Garrett Botkin and Hannis Webb. He is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Helaine Flowers, Bob and Janice Davis, John and Marylou Peckfelder, Warren and Kathleen Pannett, and Sylvia Ballas; and many nieces and nephews and their families. He left behind his loyal dogs Karona and Kita and his kitty Kloey.
Michael’s family will be forever grateful for his caregivers: our mother, Marie Ballas, who lovingly provided for Michael for 56 years; and our sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Warren Pannett, who have provided exemplary care and love for Michael for 25 years. Optimal Hospice’s guidance and support for the past six months has been a blessing. We extend special thanks to Melissa, Shanna, Troy, Jeanine, and Deborah.
Michael knew no stranger and left a lasting impression on everyone he touched. We will all miss you, Michael. You were an inspiration to each of us.
Please join us in celebrating Michael’s life. Visitation will be Sunday, July 22, 2018, from 12:00-5:00 PM at Boise Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Street, Clovis, CA. Graveside Service will be Monday, July 23, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Clovis Cemetery, 305 N. Villa Avenue, Clovis, CA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Optimal Hospice Care, 6780 N. West Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the BALLAS family.
