Ellen Joan Ballas

Ellen Joan (Leaghty) Ballas, passed from this life to the next on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Ellen was born on August 7, 1936 in Painter Memorial Hospital, McKeesport, as the only child of the late William Thomas and Pearl Marion Goss / Newman Leaghty. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 62 years, Robert Joseph Ballas, treasured children, William Robert Ballas (Sharlene) of North Huntingdon Twp; Charles Robert Ballas (Debbie) of Midway Park, NC, daughter Barbara Ann Ballas Waite of Castle Shannon, and daughter-in-law, Cristal Ballas of Bentlyville. Predeceased and sadly missed sons are Thomas Robert and John Robert Ballas. Also surviving are precious grandchildren, Nathaniel, Spencer, Joshua, Timothy, Brittney, Cassandra, Candice, Clayton, Chad, JoLena, Lacey and numerous great grandchildren. There are also a number of cousins who survive & of which Ellen is the eldest. For over forty-five years family history and genealogical research was Ellen’s most avid hobby. Her interest led to membership in several organizations in 1971, including the Three Rivers Chapter, National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century of which she served a term a treasurer; the PA Huguenot Society, the Queen Alliquippa Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as vice regent and registrar, among other positions; She was extremely active in the David McKee Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, of which she held chairmanships & offices within the chapter. She became their Chapter Regent & later the PA State Regent of the DAC from 1991 - 1995. She currently is a member of the Chief Tanacharison Chapter, DAC in Connellsville, PA and is an Honorary PA State Regent for Life. Membership held in Other organization are a Life Member of Piscataqua Pioneers in New England, and Locke Family Association She is a Life Member of the Elizabeth Twp. Historical Society, of which she was Editor of the Newsletter and headed the research department for 30 years. Friends are welcome Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak. (412) 672-6322 Troy J, Gilbert, director. Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday at 12 pm. The Rev. Michael Ryan will officiate. Private interment will be at Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com