Zenaida Ballon Huntington

Zenaida Ballon was born on July 12, 1951 in San Marcelino, Philippines. She was the youngest of 5 children, born to Felix Ballon and Felicia Cababaro Ballon. She had 3 sisters and one brother. She was baptized into the Catholic faith, grew up, attended HS, and received her diploma. While working at Clark Air Base, she met Robert Charles Huntington III (6/25/1957) who was serving in the USAF. He saw her eating a chocolate Tootsie Roll Pop, and he asked her for it and she gave it to him. It was the beginning of a new romance. They were married in the Base Chapel on October 31, 1977. Their first son, Robert Charles Huntington IV, was born on June 19, 1978. After their transfer to the States, their second son, Christopher Paul Huntington, was born on September 29, 1980 in Syracuse, New York. After they returned back to the Philippines, and he was stationed at Clark Air Base near Manilla, their third son, David Scott Huntington was born on June 19, 1984. Their last assignment brought them to McChord AFB in Tacoma, Washington. The family lived in Spanaway, where the boys attended school and graduated from Spanaway Lake HS. Her husband Bob retired in 1995 with 20 years of honorable military service in the USAF. Zenaida worked at McChord AFB and Fort Lewis in the Base Exchange for several years, until she retired earlier this year. Zenaida was a loving wife and wonderful mother. She enjoyed her family and she enjoyed cooking Filipino food and gardening around her home. About 10 years ago, they moved to their home in Steilacoom, Washington. She again developed her gardening with flowers and plants at her new home. She enjoyed going shopping at Seafood City food store and going to Maresol (Filipino) Restaurant. She enjoyed preparing tasty meals for her family. Her son Robert enlisted in the USAF, and served for six years. He married Katie Sylvester, and they have two children: Robert Charles Huntington V, who was born on 9/19/2012, and Lillian Cynthia Huntington, who was born on 2/2/2015. They live in Dracut, Massachusetts. Her son Christopher has been serving in the USAF for 14 years, and is currently stationed at JBLM. He is married to Anne DelaCaza. They have two children: Leilani Anne Huntington, who was born on 1/23/2007, and Jacob Christopher Huntington, who was born on 7/22/2010. Her son David lives in Puyallup, with his fiancé Jana Swenson. They have one son, Grayson Alexander Huntington, who was born on 10/19/2012. Last summer, Zenaida planted her garden, and grew one tomato plant that had at least a hundred tomatoes. She also grew pumpkins and squash. She made her yard like a tropical paradise that everyone enjoyed. She had flowers, trellises, and birdhouses with dozens of birds surrounding her. Zenaida and Bob enjoyed being grandparents with 5 grandchildren. Zenaida and Bob enjoyed traveling to the beach and mountains. They went to see the children and grandchildren living in other places. For some time, Zenaida was having health problems. The symptoms were masquerading the cancer in her stomach and abdomen. In April, she discovered that the cancer had reached stage 4. After surgery, she discovered that her life was slipping away. A little over two weeks ago, the decision was made for her to be at the Franciscan Hospice House. About a month ago, her sons and their families, and the 5 grandchildren came to see her. It was the first time she got to hold the newest granddaughter Lillian. Last week, it appeared that her time was coming to a close. It took some time for everyone to gather together on Monday evening, to be with her. The following day, her life came to a peaceful close in the early afternoon.