BALLAS, Gary Kent

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 07/16/2010 Gary Kent Ballas, 60, died July 10, 2010, at his residence in Springerville. Gary was born Dec. 8, 1949, in Elyria, Ohio, to Margaret and Jasper Ballas. He worked many years for the U.S. Forest Service. Gary went to Wittenburg University in Ohio on a basketball scholarship. He was a die-hard Cleveland sports fan, Browns and Indians, and Ohio State Buckeyes. He loved to read and spend time with his friends. He is survived by his sister Pamela (Michael) Ballas-McGraw; brother-in-law Pete Lespinasse; four nieces Penelope Lespinasse and spouse Richard Chilcoth of Albuquerque, N.M.; Polly Lespinasse and spouse Jeff Espenship of Wilkesboro, N.C.; Nicole (Matthew) Gerstacker of Chicago, Ill.; Britney Schuster of Louisville, Ohio; two great nephews and many close friends that he cared a lot for. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and sister Peggy Lespinasse. A memorial service will be held in his honor at the VFW on Main Street in Eagar Saturday, July 17, at 1 p.m. To send an online condolence, visit www.burnhammortuary.com. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.