Opal Leora Ball

Opal was born on July 10, 1935, in Morley, Michigan to Willard and Ila Woolworth. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; Irving Ball, siblings: Elmer Woolworth, Francis Woolworth, Gilda Teeter, Jim Woolworth, Maynard Woolworth, Phil Woolworth, and Mary Tiede, as well as numerous extended family members.
She is survived by her children: Nancyanne (Joe) Robbe, Monica (Tom) Knopp, Linda Ball, Karen Ball (Partner, Kari Duley); six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; siblings: Rene LeClear, Ivan Woolworth, Larry Woolworth, and Phyllis Woolworth as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Opal grew up on the family farm in Morley, Michigan. She spent her childhood helping with all the chores, both indoors and out, that came with growing up on the family farm.

Opal married Irv Ball on December 11, 1954, at the tender age of 19. They enjoyed 69 years of life together before Irv’s passing in February of this year.

Opal received her ‘Certificate for Childcare’ from Mid-Michigan College. She dearly loved children and devoted many years of her life caring for them through either working at childcare centers or having one in her own home.

Over the course of their marriage Irv and Opal lived several places in western Michigan before settling in the St. Louis area. In February 2002, they moved to Portland to be closer to family, where she lived until her passing.

The word most often used to describe Opal was sweet. She was a quiet, soft-spoken lady with an underlying strength that would shine brightest in life’s most challenging moments. The source of her strength was an unrelenting faith in Jesus Christ.

She loved being with family. She found great joy in family reunions, holiday gatherings  and grandkids coming to visit.

While she will be greatly missed, there is comfort in knowing that she is free from the beast of Alzheimer’s, she is reunited with Irv and most of all that she is whole and healthy worshipping in the presence of Jesus.

A celebration of life Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Hope Church, 845 Ionia Road, Portland. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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