Eleanor J. Ballavance

Funeral service for Eleanor "Ellie" Ballavance, 77, of Biwabik, will be 1:30pm Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Community United Church of Christ in Biwabik with Rev. Rodney Slessor officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7pm at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik, MN. She died Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Northern Pines Medical Center in Aurora, MN. Eleanor "Ellie" Ballavance was born August 2, 1934 to Bill and Edythe Peterson in Upsala, MN. She married Bruce on February 17, 1956 Ellie first moved to Biwabik to teach elementary school. She also worked for many years at the Biwabik State Bank along with teaching piano lessons. Ellie enjoyed cooking for her family especially her favorite seafood boil! She was very active in the Community United Church of Christ, being the organist there for over 50 years. She also held several council positions over the years. Her love of music and her talents will be remembered forever. She is survived by four daughters, Gayle (Mark) Amundson, Brenda (Steve) Jarvi, Diane Mattson, Karen (Darren) Egan. Grandchildren Cherub Clough, Lukas Amundson, Ryan (Marie) Jarvi, Kasey (Will Rindahl) Jarvi, Devin Jarvi, Jered Mattson, Jakob Mattson, Ashlee Egan, Tanner Egan, Great- Granchildren Makenzie Clough, Brayden Clough, Nolan Rindahl, sister Barbara St. Martin, In-laws' Sheila and Alan Ballavance, Buttsie and Loretta Gulbranson and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Bruce; parents, and son in law Jay Mattson