Audrea Balak

Audrea Jane Balak passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family. Born in Poncha Hot Springs, Colorado, she loved life—especially when she was in the air. Flying brought her joy, and she found adventure traveling through Europe and floating in hot air balloons with her late husband, Al.

She was educated in Utah and Nevada, working many years in Las Vegas’s hotel industry before starting a new chapter in Reno. In 1989, she married Alvin Balak, and they eventually settled in Sacramento, where she worked as a secretary until retirement. When Audrea married Al, she not only began a new life—she gained a new family. His children and grandchildren became hers, and she loved them as such. She was active in their lives, hosting family get-togethers, remembering birthdays, and traveling to visit them whenever she could. Her love was steady, and her door was always open. 

Above all, Audrea loved being a mother. She shared two children, Christopher and Cathy, with her former husband, David Stead. She once wrote, “I wanted to be a good mother more than anything else.” And she was—a devoted mother, grandmother, and faithful wife. She loved the Lord and did her best to raise her children with honesty, character, and trust in Him. She was also a humble artist, always creating, never seeking praise. In her later years, Audrea moved to Las Vegas to live with her son, Christopher, and his wife, Sandra. Surrounded by family, she found peace and comfort in their care. 

Audrea is survived by her children, Christopher Stead and Cathy Stead; her stepchildren, Larry Balak and Sharlene Ellis; 11 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Balak, her stepson, Richard Balak and her former husband David Stead. Her family spans Sacramento, San Diego, Las Vegas, Washington, Utah and her beloved Colorado. 

She had a good life.