Sharon Lee Ballenger

Sharon Lee Ballenger nee` Ackron, Hennessey

MARYSVILLE, WA - Sharon Lee Ballenger, nee` Ackron, Hennessey, was born on June 9, 1955. Sharon was a modern day 'Lady with the Lamp,' a mother, daughter, sister, wife, hockey mate, and friend of many. She passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011, due to cardiac arrest. She was 55.
There will be a Memorial Mass in honor of Sharon at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marysville. Mass will begin at 9 a.m. (please arrive early) on Tuesday, April 5. A reception will follow at the church. St. Mary Catholic Church is located at 4200 88th Street NE in Marysville, WA 98270.
Even in death, Sharon, an organ donor, has saved three lives as it was her wish to give.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Marysville Family YMCA's Invest in Youth program. The family has also asked that each individual consider becoming an organ donor today. Please continue to give the precious gift of life.
Sharon was a Registered Nurse for thirty years, a Licensed Massage Practitioner for fourteen years, as well as a teacher. Through her work she has helped many in various communities including but not limited to the elderly, severely disabled children and adults, HIV patients, Cancer and Leukemia patients, and people battling drug and alcohol abuse. She was also an advocate and friend to any animal that came into her path. Her mission in life was to care for those who were in need.
Sharon played for Seattle Women's Hockey and subsequently founded Everett Women's Hockey after the completion of the Comcast Public Ice Arena at the Everett Events Center. She was a spirited competitor on the Everett Ravens Women's Hockey Team. She founded the Marysville Tomahawk's H.S. Hockey Team. She was a tireless supporter of the Seattle Junior Hockey Association where her son played hockey for 11 years.
Family was most important to Sharon. The love she gave was unconditional and never ending. She was the daughter of William Edward Ackron and Sandra Carol Gains. Sandra is now married to John Eugene Gains. She was the beloved oldest sister of six siblings, followed by William "Bill" Edward Ackron Jr., Susan Lynn Thompson, Robert "Bob" Jay Ackron, Renee Joyce Ackron, and Steven Richard Ackron. Sharon was the loving wife and best friend to Scott Lynn Ballenger for 22 years. She was the step-mother to Heidi Marie Brager and Jake Scott Ballenger. She was the best mother in the world to Tora Briana Hennessey and Samuel "Sam" Lee Ballenger. Both Tora and Sam carry the best pieces of this amazing woman. Sharon was the loving grandmother to Tatum Lee Brager and Jett Joseph Christian Brager. Sharon is also remembered by a large extended family which stretches across the U.S.
What a smile this woman wore. We all miss this fire-ball of beauty, humor, compassion, and spunk. All of us were lucky to have known and share space with such a powerful and smart woman. She had a strong and bright soul.
'Love is an action, never simply a feeling.' - Bell Hooks