Helen Irene Ballas, age 90 of Newton Falls passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday June 10, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 25, 1926 in Washington, PA the daughter of the late David R. & Martha Lillian (Cain) Smith. Helen married Edwin Michael Ballas on January 15, 1949. Helen and Edwin were blessed with 67 years of wonderful marriage before his passing on February 29, 2016. Helen worked at Trumbull Lamp for over 30 years. She was a member of the First Church of God in Newton Falls and Golden Agers. Helen enjoyed playing bingo. Our mom was all about enjoying life. She always said things like, "Enjoy life while you can." "Go while you can." "Do the things you want to do while you have your health." She enjoyed leading the Golden Agers at the church and taking many bus trips with them. Mom was a great cook. Growing up and throughout our adult years, she made Sunday dinner with the whole family present. When she wasn't cooking at home, she was bringing full course meals out to the Lake Milton Boat Club, where the family enjoyed years of boating, tubing, and water skiing. "Peace at any price" was one of mom's slogans. She never liked arguing and believed peace was essential in a family. We all had the right to agree to disagree, but you never stopped talking or listening to one another. Everyone had a right to their opinion however, we were reminded that God hears every word that is spoken. We had lots of laughter and singing together in our family. Those were some of the best times and memories. God was the Head of our household and our parents lead by example. God and family were most important to her and would be the rich legacy she would leave her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We treasure our times of worshiping together and building a strong foundation in Jesus, so that one day the Lord would say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Our sincere appreciation and gratitude to our devoted family and caregivers. Special thanks to Dottie and Michael Rigelsky, Pat Maiden, Donna and George Ritenour, Marie Burrows, and Allie Gunmont. We would also like to thank Dr. DeMario, Candy, and Stephanie, The Department on Aging (Sherita), and to Southern Care (Jason). You truly made our days lighter. Loving memories of Helen will be carried on by her daughters; Sherry (Edward) Freisen of Newton Falls, Linda S. Ballas of Holland, OH, daughter-in-law, Cynthia "Ballas" (Gary) Gray of Cortland, grandchildren; Kalin (Jeff) Myers, Andrea (Ben) Gumont, Bethany (Doug) Hughes, great grandchildren; Olivia, Grant & Karlee Myers, Allie & Emma Gumont, Brady, Avery & Addison Hughes. Helen was preceeded in death by her husband Edwin, 2 sons John David & Ronald Edwin Ballas, and 5 brothers Wilbur, Donald,Howard, Arthur, & Herbert Smith and 1 sister Ruth Layshock. Calling hours will be held on Monday June 19, 2017 from 10:00 to 11:00AM at the First Church of God, 426 W. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00AM. Sister Odessa Pinkard will be officiating. Helen will be laid to rest next to her husband Edwin and with her son John David at Newton Falls Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view Helen's obituary online and to send condolences to her family please visit www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

Monday, June 19, 2017 11:00 PM

First Church of God 426 W. Broad Street Newton Falls, OH 44444