Virginia Faye Ball's Obituary
Virginia Faye (Martin) Ball passed quietly from this life to the next on the morning of February 9, 2020 in her apartment at the Lakeview Terrace where she has lived for the past five- and one-half years. She was born November 17, 1929 to Leon and Goldie (Wood) Martin. Virginia was the third of twelve children born on the farm in rural Gratiot county and being the oldest girl, she took over the family cooking duties so that her mother could help with the farm work. Because of this she became an excellent cook. She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1947. She married the love of her life, William (Bill) Ball on May 21, 1949 and moved to the Langston area with her husband where they lived out their lives together raising three children, Phillip Ball of Langston, Lyle (Janet) Ball of rural Blanchard MI., and LuAnn (Steve) Erlich of Summerfield FL, and played an important part in raising neighbor Karmen Kortes of Mesa AZ.
She was very active in the Montcalm County 4H program where she used her talents to teach many children the art of sewing and cooking. She spent many years working the Pine Township Election board and serving in many roles in the area while doing various home jobs to help support her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband William, daughter in laws Donna, and Karen, mother Goldie and Father Leon, Stepfather Frank Burch, Brothers Jack, Glen and Larry Martin. Sister in laws June Martin, Carol Martin, Mel Martin, and Kathy Burch. She is survived by siblings Eunice (Jack) Martin, Jerry Martin, Sally Martin, Nancy (Howard) Crites, Helen (Fred) Hoard, La Daun (Dave) Longanbach, Art Burch, Betty Reeves, and Don (Sherida) Burch, and many nieces, nephews.
She is also survived by grandchildren Elizabeth Ball, Charles (Kimberly) Ball, Joel (Pam) Ball, Jerry (Tammy) Ball, Johnathon (Brooke) Ball, Jennifer (Andrew) Marfio, 17 Great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held February 29, 2020 at the Brigham Funeral Chapel at the corner of M 46 and Youngman Rd. at 11 am with visitation at 10, luncheon following. A second memorial service with internment will be held May 2, 2020. The location will be determined at a later date.
In leu of flowers please give a donation to the Renucci Hospitality House, 100 Michigan Street NE, MC 172, Grand Rapids MI. 49503
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?