Jack Ballis

Jack Ballis, beloved husband of Lois Miller (nee Barber) for 18 years and the late Carol Jean (nee Lutz) for 31 years; dear father of Kathleen Deakin (Antony), and cherished grandfather of his pride and joy Alexander Deakin; brother of Alva Ballis, Juanita Arter, and the following deceased James, Raymond, Alouise Kyle, Barbara Clark, and Emmett; son of the late Raymond and Emma.  Jack was born January 27, 1935, in Corning, Ohio where he grew up on a small farm.  He graduated from Corning High School in 1953.  Upon graduation, Jack moved to Solon, Ohio where he began his career working for Ohio Bell, as well as the local Sunoco Station where he met his first wife, Carol, who he married on September 28, 1964. Jack worked for Ohio Bell for 37 years and retired as the Maintenance Engineer(Power).  After his retirement, he continued to be involved with the Telephone Pioneers and was particularly active in their Toys of Love program.  He always enjoyed tinkering and fixing things, and this was the perfect way to combine this love with helping children who were not as fortunate.  He was a founding and charter member of the Solon United Methodist Church, and was always active in local politics.  Jack loved traveling the country and went on to purchase his home away from home…his dream motor-home.  He belonged to the LC Sams Club and truly enjoyed getting together with his camping friends to hit the road, enjoy a happy hour and a potluck or two, with lots of laughs and friends.  It was through his association with this club that he was lucky enough to meet his second wife, Lois.  They traveled to and wintered in Arizona, Florida and Texas.  They had the chance to make their first trip south of the border to Mexico and later journeyed to more faraway places he always dreamed of going to, including England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.  A part of his heart remained in the highlands of Scotland and the beautiful moors of the Yorkshire Dales, and will always stay…

Services Thursday, May 21st at 11:00am at Solon Methodist Church, 5540 SOM Center Rd., Solon.  Family will receive friends Wednesday, May 20th at Steinbauer Funeral Home 33375 Bainbridge Rd. Solon, 4 to 8pm and at Thursday 10am until time of service at Solon United Methodist Church.  Private family interment.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to MDS Foundation at www.mds-foundation.org/donate or Hospice of the Western Reserve at www.hospicewr.org/donate