Barbara Jean Ball

Barbara was born October 17, 1936 in Carmel California to Florence and Orbah Foley. She had a brother, Robert Foley (preceded in death) and a sister, Beverly Bullock. She attended grammar and high school in Carmel. She moved to the Fresno area later in life and then to Washington State, Sunriver Oregon and finally settling in Surprise Arizona with her husband Ed full time in 2019.

Barbara has four children from previous marriages; Linda Jeffs, Michael (Debbie) Lewis, Michele Lewis and Bill (Debbie) Lewis.

Linda died two days after her birth. Michael passed away April 2024 from cancer.

Barbara has 6 grandchildren - (Christina (Ryan) Bruce, Cathy (Matt) Niesen, Michael (Amber) Lewis in Washington State, Jordan, Abby and Maddy in Illinois), 4 great grandchildren (Caleb & Owen Niesen, Emmalin and Mikey Lewis) also in Washington.

Barbara married Ed in 1982 and they enjoyed many adventures and love together. Traveling to exotic places and enjoying exciting activities, including snowmobiling and white water rafting. She was an avid golfer and involved in golfing clubs in Sunriver Oregon and her community in Sun City Grand (AZ). She was focused and practiced in learning to paint and became quite the artist. She loved all kinds of games both with friends and on her tablet. Her childlike personality enabled her to make friends wherever she went. Her exuberance and innocence filled a room with joy and laughter.

She ran an amazing race and in life overcame many obstacles, pain and sorrows. She was a breast cancer and stroke survivor. Her resilience and perseverance enabled her to keep on pressing on no matter what she faced. She worked hard at recovery. When the first stroke hit and the doctors weren’t optimistic, she exceeded recovery beyond expectations. When the third stroke knocked her down, she continued to fight on to the end, exceeding hospice timelines. We would expect no less from her! She was quite a resilient and strong woman.

Barbara passed peacefully with her daughter Michele and husband Ed beside her. She will be greatly missed by family, friends and all who were blessed to cross paths with her.

“In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side”