Helen (Sullivan) Bales

Helen Bales, age 84, passed away October 24, 2023, at her residence in Grand River, Ohio.  She was born April 13, 1939, in Spencer, Tennessee to Rayburn and Mildred (Lawson) Sullivan.

Helen owned rental properties.  She also was a partner with her sister, Peggy in ownership of a restaurant named Coffee Cup Café in Grand River.  At one time she was a school bus driver for Fairport school system.   

Helen enjoyed her time spent with her family.  She loved playing cards and seemed to win more than she lost.  In her younger years she played golf with her husband, Gene and was known as the home run queen for the church softball league.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Connie (Joseph) Rini and Vickie Rasoletti; son, Kenneth (Jennifer) Gallion; brother, Thomas Sullivan; sisters, Peggy Roberts and Cassie Gallion.  She has eleven grandchildren, April, Alyssa, Lindsay, Allison, Joseph Jr., Kenneth Ray Jr., Wade, Clayton, Chase, Corban and Faith.  She has also been blessed with eight great grandchildren, Kaylee, Johnathan, Winter, Nolan, Brooke, Calvin, Finn, Crawford and one due to arrive in January.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Gene Gallion, second husband, Gordon Bales, her parents; brothers, Sherman Sullivan, Lynn Sullivan, and James Sullivan; sister, Emma Jewell; and son-in-law, William Rasoletti.

Friends will be received 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Friday, October 27, 2023, at Painesville Baptist Church, 140 Park Road, Painesville Township.  A viewing will be held at 9:00 AM, with a service to follow at 10:00 AM on Saturday October 28th at the church.  Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to “The Sunshine Fund” at Painesville Baptist Church.  It is a program that helps families and individuals throughout the year that are in need in our community.

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