Sharon J. Marjama-Ballas

SHARON JOANNE MARJAMA-BALLAS February 5, 1943 - August 13, 2014 Sharon Joanne Marjama-Ballas, age 71, of Menahga, MN, formerly of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, passed from this life to eternal life on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids, MN with her loved ones at her side. Sharon was born on February 5, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA to Clarence and Shirley (Johnson) Marjama. She attended public schools in Inglewood, CA, graduating from high school in 1960. She was united in marriage to Tom Burtt in 1959; this union was blessed with one daughter, Shelley. In 1964, Sharon ventured to Miami, FL with her two year old daughter at her side. There she gained employment working for the Aerodix Aviation Company. In 1967, she was married to Lowell "Blackie" Ballas and their union was blessed with one son, John. In 1968, Sharon and Blackie started a company called, "Airway Sandblasting" which they owned and operated for eight years. In 1976, they sold their company in Miami and started the ABC Allstate Sandblasting Company in Ft. Lauderdale. In addition, Sharon began working as an agent for Eastern Airlines in a career that spanned for 15 years. In 1991, she quit working for the Airlines and focused her attention on their sandblasting company. In 1989, she and Blackie sold their company to her sister and brother-in-law. Sharon then pursued a career in real estate. In 1993, she and daughter, Shelley started the Weaverville Feather Bed and Breakfast which they operated until 1999, when Sharon resumed her career in real estate working for Century 21. In 2000, she joined the United Realty and Mortgage Company where she was involved until 2007 when she suffered a major stroke while visiting family in Menahga. Since that fateful day, Sharon has lived out the rest of her life at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga. Throughout her life, Sharon was blessed with a resourceful "can do" spirit and was blessed with brilliant business acumen. She was extremely successful at anything she set her mind to. Above all, Sharon devoted her life to her family who she loved with all her heart. Sharon will be lovingly remembered by her two children: Shelley (Randy Nichols) Burtt of Menahga and John (Michelle) Ballas of Ft. Lauderdale; her five dearly loved grandchildren: Greg, Crystal, Erik, Madison and Liam and her four precious great grandchildren: Gregory III, Alyson, Kayla and Aiden; one sister who she loved dearly, Clarice Johnson of Menahga and three brothers she was very close to: Curtis (Barbara) Marjama of Menahga, Rodger (Debbie) Marjama of Loveland, CO and Richard (Beverly) Marjama of Pembroke Pines, Fl; her sister-in-law, Linda Marjama of Orlando, FL; 41 nieces and nephews as well as numerous other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Clarence "Babe" Marjama. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, August 22, 2014 at the Assembly of God Church of Menahga with Pastor Bob Smith officiating. The pianist will be her Aunt, Lila Marjama and the vocalists will be her daughter, Shelley who will sing "The LightHouse" a trio of Lila, Pilla and Ray will sing, "Keep Your Eyes Upon Jesus" and Paulette Smith will sing, The casket bearers will be: Randy Nichols, Greg Wendlandt, Curt Marjama, Rodger Marjama, Rick Marjama and Roy Johnson. Interment will be made in the Marjama family plot located in the Alajoki Cemetery northwest of Menahga. Following the service a dinner will be hosted at the Assembly of God Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Thursday at the Assembly of God Church and will continue on Friday beginning at 10 AM. To view the online video or to leave online condolences please visit www.cardinipearson.com.