Carol May Ball

Lansing, Michigan

Age 85, died peacefully in hospice care at the Stoneleigh Residence on October 20, 2010; born November 4, 1924 in Muskegon, MI to Laura D. and Horace R. Henley. Mrs. Ball was a graduate of Grand Rapids Central High School, WMU and had a Masters degree from MSU. She married her high school classmate, Richard, in 1948 and was a teacher in Rockford, Michigan post WWII. After raising her children, she returned to teaching in the mid 1960s when Lansing was first integrating schools and felt proud to contribute to the civil rights movement in that way. She was a first grade teacher at Wainwright Elementary School for more than 20 years. She was pleased to be a member of the Lansing Women’s Club, and for nearly 50 years, a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She enjoyed the Retired Teachers Association and was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church. Preceded in death by Richard “Red” Ball in 1987. Surviving are her son, Daniel R. Ball of Newton, New Jersey and daughter, Cynthia M. (Jeff) Parsons of Dowagiac, Michigan. Memorial services will be held Sunday, October 24, 5:00 PM at Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI with Rev. Joy Baumgartner officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Plymouth Congregational Church in memory of Mrs. Ball.