Lynnette Jean Ball

It is with loving memory and great sadness that we announce the passing of Lynnette Jean Ball, mother, grandmother, and sister who left this world peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, one month before her 90th birthday.

Lynnette was the fifth of ten children born to Luella and Achille Minnaert on the family farm near Madison, South Dakota. When Lynnette was eight years old, Achille passed away leaving her mother to raise the children by herself. Luella later married her late husband’s brother, Octave. Together, they had three more children. Lynnette enjoyed being part of a large family, assisting her mother and sisters with the daily chores, preparing meals, baking, and sewing. Lynnette enjoyed babysitting her youngest siblings and would take them swimming in the summer months. With her sewing, she would perfect a skill that she would enjoy throughout her lifetime.

Lynnette graduated from Orland County School. She attended South Dakota State University and Mount Marty College graduating with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Along with her sister, Marlene, she went to teach for several years in Montrose, SD, and then in Estelline, SD. During her time in Estelline, she met Ronald Ball, and they married on June 20, 1959. Soon after, they followed his work to Grand Island, NE, and then Phoenix, AZ. Eventually, they settled in Berthoud, CO to raise their family. After their three children had gone off to college, they later moved to Longmont, CO where they would live for over thirty-years.

While living in Berthoud, Lynnette used her teaching education to open the first preschool in town. She served as its director for many years. She loved being a teacher and took great care and pride in working with the little children.

Lynnette was active in her church, St. John the Baptist, serving as a eucharistic minister, ministering to the homebound, and helping in the office. Lynnette continued to use her sewing skills throughout her life; sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren, making decorative pieces, and quilting with friends. She loved to travel; delighting in the cruises she took with her husband, Ron. Alaska was their favorite destination. She enjoyed taking tours with her siblings and friends. Going to Europe on one tour was particularly memorable. After her grandchildren finished high school, she enjoyed taking them to see different parts of the U.S. Up until her death, she was often heard telling family members: “take more trips!” Lynnette also loved to bake different goodies for her family. Everyone looked forward to Christmas as each could “place his or her order” for cookies! Another favorite among the grandchildren was her Chocolate Zucchini cake. She enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends and was a member of several Bridge groups. She appreciated the interaction and camaraderie.

Lynnette is preceded in death by her husband, Ron, her parents, sisters Margaret Logan and Audrey Zimmer, and brothers Richard and Ronald Minnaert.

She is survived by her 3 children: Greg of Lubbock, TX, Sandy Lobato (Vernon) of Thornton, CO, and Terry Mendoza (Epi) of Loveland, CO, her 6 grandchildren: Adrianna and Matthew Lobato, Emilee, Christian, and Eli Mendoza, and Mikaela Ball. She is also survived by eight siblings: Deloris Staudenmier, Marlene Minnaert, Marcella Headley, Joe Minnaert, Kenneth Minnaert (Elaine), Rosemary Limmer, Kathryn Elshere (Jerry) and Francis Minnaert (Joan); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lynnette’s family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Cancer Center and Tru Community Hospice for the exceptional care and support they provided for her over these last few months.

A funeral mass for Lynnette will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 323 Collyer Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501. A reception will follow at 11:00 AM in Benedict Hall. An inurnment committal will occur Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery, 620 11th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado 80501.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation, 1385 S. Colorado Blvd Suite 108, Denver CO 80222. Website: www.rayofhopecolorado.org. Or to the St. John the Baptist Food Bank, 804 S. Lincoln Street, Longmont CO 80501, Email: [email protected]

Services are entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont, Colorado.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Ball family.