Elsie M. Ball

Elsie M. Ball passed away February 12, 2019 at the age of 94, after a very memorable life.

Elsie was born September 6, 1924 in Duncan, Nebraska to Leo and Helen Sokol. She was the oldest of 6 siblings: Emil, Fran, Don, Jack and MJ. She graduated from St. Bonaventure High School in Columbus, Nebraska. Then earned a degree from Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri. Her employment as a legal secretary in the Kansas City area led her to cross paths with the love of her life, W. Glenn Ball. Their first date was a tennis match, as she had described herself as a ‘tennis player’ to impress him. However, she neglected to remove the drug store tag from her racket and had problems lobbing the ball in practice. Nonetheless, their dates progressed to an engagement a year later. And they were married on August 23, 1947. Glenn obtained his CPA a couple years later and his company allowed for the couple to live in numerous locationsover the years. Including, Saugatuck on Lake Michigan, Niagara Falls, Houston and eventually back home to Leawood, Kansas in 1984. While living in Kansas City, they welcomed their daughter Sue in 1955.

Elsie truly enjoyed living life to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to try something new. Over the years she was a bowler, vocalist, drum majorette, saxophonist, artist, home chef and an avid golfer (did she ever tell you about her infamous ‘hole-in-one’?). She enjoyed traveling – especially south in the winter months with Glenn in their retired years. She was a devout Catholic and a proud member of the Church of the Nativity choir for years. She was active in the Red Hat Society and Leawood Welcomers, always trying to recruit new members. She enjoyed the company of her friends and family, never turning down the opportunity to host a party or a game of bridge. She was arguably the best cook in the Kansas City area. Even wrote multiple cookbooks, which she spread to her loved ones during the holidays. This caught the attention of the KC Star, featuring her in the November 17th 1993 issue. She was adored by her many friends she made along the years. And was lovingly referred to as ‘Gramm’ by her grandchildren who thought the world of her.

Elsie will be remembered for her youthful, elegant spirit that never wavered.

She is survived by her most valuable treasures: her daughter Sue (Stan) Healzer of Ness City, KS; grandchildren: Adam (Kaylee) Healzer of Ness City, KS, and Lauren (Casey) McAvoy of Hays, KS; great grandchildren: Ethan and Evan; and sister MJ VanBerg of Lafayette, CO.

Mass of Resurrection will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 10:00am at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th in Overland Park, Kansas. With visitation at 9:00am.  And a luncheon to follow mass.  A private interment for the family will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Elsie preferred memorials sent to Scotus Central Catholic High School (formally St. Bonaventure) 1554 18th Ave in Columbus, NE 68601 or to Church of the Ascension.  Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.