Annette Marie Ball

Annette Marie Buccola Ball passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, in Longmont, Colorado, at the age of 89. She was born on December 2, 1936, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Nick and Anna Buccola and was raised in Pueblo, where she graduated from Central High School in 1955.

It was during her high school years, while working part-time as a “soda jerk,” that Annette’s life took a wonderful turn. One day, she waited on a “tall, handsome cowboy,” as she later described him, and quickly became smitten. That handsome cowboy was Ernest Denton Ball of Tecumseh, Oklahoma. Shortly after graduating from high school, Annette and Ernest were married and began a life together that would take them through many wonderful chapters.

They first lived in Swink, Colorado, before moving to La Junta, where they welcomed their three children. Ernest’s career with the Santa Fe Railroad eventually took the family to Illinois, where they lived for many years.

At heart, Annette was always a homemaker, and she had a special talent for making a house feel like home. She was an exceptional cook and loved entertaining. Proud of her Italian heritage, she made sure the family recipes were passed down, teaching the next generations not only how to prepare them, but also the importance of gathering around the table. She took great pleasure in preparing beautiful meals and bringing friends and family together for wonderful food and conversation. Annette was truly a people person.

When her youngest child, Bradley, started first grade, Annette decided it was time to pursue another passion—her love of decorating. She was hired by JCPenney in its custom drapery department and enthusiastically embarked on a new career. At the completion of her training, her peers unanimously voted her “most likely to succeed,” a fitting recognition of the talent, determination, and enthusiasm she brought to everything she did.

Annette went on to open Annette’s Drapery Designs, where she left her creative mark in countless homes over the years. Ernest handled the books, while Annette had a remarkable gift for connecting with clients and, as the family remembers, sold just about every call she went on. Her expertise and artistic eye earned her recognition in several local newspapers, and she was invited to speak to many professional organizations. She was passionate about her work and took great pride in helping people create beautiful spaces in which to live. That legacy continued through her daughter Shelley, who has carried on the business for 35 years—something that made Annette especially proud.

Sadly, heart disease and other health challenges forced Annette to retire. After many years in Illinois, Annette and Ernest decided to return to Colorado to spend their retirement years in Longmont, allowing them to be closer to Annette’s extended family. They were blessed with many wonderful years together and quickly became involved in the Longmont Newcomers Club. For many years, Annette organized the club’s monthly luncheons—a role perfectly suited to her love of food, friendship, conversation, and bringing people together.

The later years of Annette’s life brought some profound losses. She lost her husband, Ernest Ball, after sixty-two years of marriage and later said goodbye to her younger sister, Barbara Teed; her only brother, Nick Buccola; and her beloved older sister, Francis Thompson. Despite those losses, Annette remained in her beautiful home for as long as she was able to live independently.

Annette later found an unexpected and meaningful relationship with her brother-in-law, Ernest Teed. Both widowed, they brought each other joy through weekly visits, family gatherings, and shared memories. Their companionship brought comfort, laughter, and many meaningful moments during the later years of Annette’s life.

During her last few months, when she became too weak to leave her room, many of the residents at MorningStar continued to ask about her. They missed seeing her and often commented on what a special person she was and what a big, beautiful smile she had. Some of her favorite activities were drum circle, exercise classes and, of course, Bingo.

Annette is survived by her three beloved children: Bryan Ball (Debbie Ball, deceased) of Peoria, Arizona, and his children, Lisa (Rob) Abel and their children, Addison, Allie, Aubrey, Ava, and Ryan; and Christopher Ball (Meghan) and their children, Greyson and Townsend; Shelley Langosch (Walt) of Wake Forest, North Carolina, and their children, Mackenzie and Madelyn; and Bradley Ball (Cindy Tomaschek-Ball) of Aurora, Illinois, and their children, Avery and Calin.

Annette’s family continued to grow over the years. Through Bryan’s marriage to Debbie, she welcomed Angela Burns and her children, Aubrie and Ashlynn, and Christina (Daniel) Allen and her children, Jayden Burns and Tayson Toledo, into the family. Few things made Annette prouder than the family she and Ernest raised. She took great joy in seeing her children love and respect one another and in watching them raise beautiful families of their own.

She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family members whose lives were made richer simply by knowing her.

Annette will be forever missed. She often said, “I have no regrets,” a simple line that beautifully reflected the way she looked back on a life filled with family, friendship, creativity, and love. Her family hopes she will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the joy she brought to others, and the countless lives she touched. Her beautiful smile, generous spirit, creative soul, and loving heart will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.