Obituary of Paula L. Bussmann-Balakas

Paula L. (Timmons) Bussmann-Balakas, age 80, passed away at her lake home in Rocky Mount, Missouri, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. She was born on May 13th, 1943, in Granite City, Illinois, to her mother, Dorothy Timmons.

On December 30, 1998, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, she was united in marriage with Timothy Balakas. They shared 24 years of marriage together at the time of her passing.

She was a devoted wife to Timothy and proud mother of 2 daughters, 4 stepdaughters, 1 stepson and 13 step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Paula was a sister her siblings could count on and a friend to many. Some of her favorite things were reading, traveling and attending charity parties. She   spent much of her time giving to charities alongside with her good friend, the late Father Richard Bailey. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for friends and family. Paula was looked up to by many as an honest person with a generous and compassionate heart.

Paula is survived by her husband, Timothy Balakas, of their home in Chesterfield, Missouri, daughters Catherine Bussmann of Chesterfield, Missouri and Kristin Bussmann of Proctor, Arkansas; stepdaughters Kristen West of O’Fallon, Missouri and Katie (Mike) Wilson of Webster Groves; brothers Thomas Timmons of New Hampshire and Michael Timmons of Illinois, sister Marsha (Dale) Purvis of Florida; and 12 step-grandchildren.

Paula was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Timmons, and her late husband, Harry T. Bussmann Jr.

A private celebration of life will be held at her lake home in Rocky Mount, Missouri.