Rosalie V. Ball

Rosalie V. Ball passed away peacefully in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL on September 20, 2025, at the age of 101. Born on November 27, 1923, in Indianapolis, IN, to Jack and Rose Snow (nee Conway), she attended Shortridge High School along with classmate and future author, Kurt Vonnegut.

During World War II, she worked long hours at the company that produced the top secret Norden bombsite, which allowed US warplanes like the B-17 to achieve pinpoint accuracy. Rosalie and her friends donated blood to the Red Cross as often as allowed, followed by beer and steak to fortify themselves for the next contribution. She also took flying lessons from the Civil Air Patrol in a Curtiss JN “Jenny” bi-plane.

In 1947, she married the late Fred H. Ball, a union that continued until his death in 2015. She was the heart of her family, a dedicated mother to Nancy Buck, Kenneth (Susan Penwarden) Ball, Sally (the late John) Harper, and Diane (Steve) Huchet. She performed her role as a mother with utmost pride and commitment, nurturing her children with a gentle hand and a strong spirit.

When the family moved to Cincinnati in 1956, she established a number of friendships there that would last a lifetime. She took an active role in her children’s education, serving as president of the Guardian Angels elementary school PTA. In 1965, the family moved to the Chicago area, with Rosalie leading the way in once again establishing a new household.

As her children grew and began families of their own, Rosalie's love extended to her grandchildren. These included Kelly (Josh Dolan) Ball, Kimberly (Matt) Smith, and Mallory (Chris) Rucki, who will forever remember their grandmother's warm embrace and unwavering support. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Anya, Charles, Matthew, Jackson, Jenson, Jaysen, and Jameson, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her siblings, the late Jackie (the late Richard) Leppert and the late Mary Margaret (the late Ray) Allen, and her daughter-in-law, the late Sharon Ball (nee Slattery).

Her family ties were a source of strength and comfort throughout her life, and her presence will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

Her interests in later life were simple yet profound, such as being with family, golfing with her husband, traveling around the US and abroad, and taking long walks with her friends. She also spent many years as a volunteer for the St. Thomas of Villanova SPRED (Special Religious Development), a unique program offering spiritual enrichment for persons with developmental disabilities and/or learning problems.

We will remember Rosalie as a loving, kind, and faith-filled soul. She was a woman whose very presence could light up a room, and her gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rosalie’s honor can be made to any charity or organization of your choice.

A visitation will be held at St. Edna’s parish in Arlington Heights on Monday October 13th at 9:30AM, followed by a memorial funeral mass at 10:00AM. Address: 2525 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.