Tami Sue Ballard Sharp

Tami Sue Ballard Sharp of Branson, MO, joined her mom and dad in Heaven on August 2, 2023 surrounded by family. She was born on March 22, 1963, the youngest daughter of Ted and Bonnie (Perry) Wales. Tami Sue spent her youth through her twenties singing in bands with her sister Nancy and good friends. In 1981, she graduated from Oak Park High School. In the early nineties after the birth of her daughter, Sydney, Tami moved to Branson, Missouri to pursue her passion in music. She enjoyed her career in Tourism and Hospitality down in Branson and always was delighted to host family and friends while they visited, taking everyone to the shows in the area. 

Tami Sue always had a song on her lips and a treat to give for her many pets. Her love of family, friends and anything furry was a true gift to those she shared it with. Tami made an excellent Spade’s partner when she wasn’t out in the garage “taking a break”. Tami, like her mom, was a talented painter and enjoyed sharing her creativity with her family. When visiting her best friend, cousin- Nikki, they often went out to a favorite fishing spot to try and catch a prize, and the best tequila already in hand. Tami was known as the prankster and joke teller. She lived to get a giggle from someone. 

Family was very important to Tami. She started a facebook group to keep the Wales and Perry family connected and helped plan family reunions. Nearly every fall Tami liked to host her two sisters and her niece Staci in a condo in Branson for a weekend, having too many giggles over endless hands of Spades and good food. 

Tami Sue enjoyed traveling when she could. While her parents were living she would visit them in Florida with her daughter when Ted and Bonnie “flew south for the winter”. Tami visited cousin Nikki in California as often as she could and the two traveled a few times to Mexico.

Tami’s favorite person in the world was her grandson, Pierce. She enjoyed coming to the city to spend time with him and watching him play sports. Tami touched the lives of many from her family to endless friends. Her light and smile will be missed but never forgotten. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Bonnie. She is survived by her daughter; Sydney Ballard and grandson Pierce Batson, siblings Donna Ruckman (Jim), Ted Wales, Jr., Nancy McNabb (Wayne), numerous nieces and nephews, many aunts and uncles, countless cousins, and all her friends. 

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 12:30 pm at Bethel Baptist Church 3700 N.E. Barry Road, Kansas City, Missouri. A visitation will be from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the church. A private burial will take place at White Chapel Cemetery. The family suggests contributions in Tami's honor be made to Mochas and Meows 3265 Falls Pkwy V, Branson, MO 656162.