Verla Ball

Verla Dorthea Shippen Ball, 96, of Idaho Falls passed away at her home on May 28, 2012, surrounded by her family and loving caregivers. She was born in a two room log cabin on October 19, 1915, in Menan, Idaho to Bennington Robert and Annie Olaveson Shippen. As sixth child in a family of four brothers and seven sisters, Verla learned about working hard as a member of a large family on a farm. In the summer, she and her siblings were topping beets and in the fall picking potatoes. Caring for the younger children was also a large part of her early years. She attended schools in Menan, graduating Salutatorian of her class. After high school, she worked at the J.L. Hayes Mercantile store in Menan working eight to ten hours a day for $1.00. It was the depression, money was scarce but she said they always had enough to eat living on a farm. Verla married Harold Ball on July 27, 1937, in the Logan Temple. Together they had seven children and were married 61 years when Harold passed away in September 1998. Their children are Coy Ann Tilton (Bill) Colorado Springs, CO; Roger Ball (Marsha) Idaho Falls; Allen Ball (Connie) Idaho Falls; Norma Galazin (John) Menan; Gaylon Ball (Mary Ann) Boise; Wayne Ball of Idaho Falls; Debra Adams (Hal) Idaho Falls. On December 31, 1998, Verla married Ronald Ball of Lewisville, and enjoyed five fun and wonderful years together until he passed away in February 2004. Verla’s stepchildren are Rosalie Jones (Richard) Lewisville; R.J. Ball (Dianna) Monteview; Bonnie (deceased); Paul Jones (Lori) St. George, UT; Margaret Wilkins (Stephen) Boise; Elaine Archibald (Kent) Rexburg; Carl Ball (Julene) Hamer; Susan Plant (Richard) Blackfoot; Robert Ball (Debbie) Hamer. With the combination of both families, Verla had over 200 children calling her Grandma and well over 50 great grandchildren. One of her last text messages was from her great grandson saying, “Will you tell Grandma Blue Eyes that I love her.” Verla accomplished much in her 96 years. Besides being a loving mother to seven children, she has been a driving force and partner in many family businesses. Some of the family businesses include: owning and operating Hebgen Lake Lodge in Montana, a restaurant in Rexburg called the Queen Bee, King B Jerky, Beauty For All Season, Inc., and Melaleuca, Inc. She was very talented in home remodeling and interior design beautifying many homes, which helped in additional income for the family from the sales of those homes. She has been an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was called to be a Relief Society President four times and three times served as the Young Women President. Verla was a seminary teacher and taught many church classes. Her influence on the youth of the church was often expressed to her and family members. She loved the scriptures and never failed to bear testimony to her family of the Savior. She and her husband, Harold, fulfilled a mission to Nauvoo, Illinois in 1978. Her hobby was creating. She could look at clothing designs, then cut-out and sew beautiful clothing for her daughters. She would look at a room in a home, decide to tear down a wall or add a bay window, then add colors, furnishings and have a masterpiece. After the devastating earth quake at Hebgen Lake, she envisioned the book she would write. The sales of that book saved our family business at the time. She was instrumental in creating many entrepreneurial ideas and her most successful were started after the age of 60. When she was 87, she began achieving success in the Senior Olympic Games. In August of 2003, she won two Silver medals and a Gold medal in the 50 and 100-yard dash. At age 88, in 2004, she set a national record in her age class in the 60-yard dash. Verla won the Gold in the javelin, discus, and shot-put in 2006, setting a new record in the shot-put for her age group. At 91, Verla and her three sisters (all over 80 at the time) set the 4x4 100 world record as the oldest female team. She would often train and practice at the BYU-I track with her fellow Olympian and son-in-law, John, and daughter, Norma Galazin. Verla taught her children and grandchildren to love the Lord and His gospel and reminded us, “You can do anything and you’re never too old, so get to it!” Verla is survived by her children; stepchildren and sisters; Ava Hessing (Boise), Ruby Call (Reginald) Tucson, AZ, Twila Bigler (Tharin) Provo, UT, and Nelda Reed of Rigby. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012, at the Blackhawk LDS Chapel (7118 S. Ledgerock Road in Ammon) with Bishop Brad Ferney officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Blackhawk LDS Ward and again on Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services, also at the church. Burial will be in the Lewisville Cemetery. The family would like to thank all the in-home caregivers that gave not only of their time, but also shared with our Mom their love and compassion. To the Hospice of Eastern Idaho, we thank you all for your caring advice and service.

Funeral Services -- Saturday

11 a.m. ,Saturday, June 2, 2012 Idaho Falls LDS Blackhawk Ward 7118 S. Ledgerock Road Ammon, ID, Bonneville 83406 Notes: The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Blackhawk LDS Ward and again on Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services, also at the church. Burial in the Lewisville Cemetery.