Obituary of Ronald Lee Ballast

Ronald Lee Ballast, 60, of Berrien Springs, passed away at his home on Friday, August 3, 2012. Ron was born on May 14, 1952, to Donald and Marge (Van Heest) Ballast in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating from Midland High School, Ron went on to attend several colleges and earned his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Chemical Engineering at Western Michigan University. On June 30, 1985, Ron wed the love of his life, Joanne (Metcalf) Ballast in Arden, North Carolina. Together they had 3 daughters. Ron was always trying new sports, spent much of his free time in the outdoors, reading and researching new ideas, and loved a variety of music. In addition to being involved in many professional organizations, including MENSA, his brilliance and ingenuity deserve recognition. He was a creative yet practical man who loved his family, friends, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with them. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Joanne, daughter Rachel Ballast of Wyoming, Michigan, Julie Ballast of Berrien Springs, Michigan and Laura Ballast of Berrien Springs, Michigan, parents Donald and Marge Ballast of Caledonia, Michigan and siblings Sue Boltach of Pinckney, Michigan, Nancy (Bill) Zeilstra of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Beverly (Steve) Selvig of Pinckney, Michigan. A service to celebrate Ron's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2012, at Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Pastor Craig Harris will be officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Ron's name to Your Story Hour located at PO Box 15, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103 or Hospice at Home located at 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.