Alma Elizabeth Ball

Alma Elizabeth Ball, 86, of Mansfield, passed away Thursday evening, February 1, 2018, at The Good Shepherd Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Campus in Ashland, Ohio. She was born July 19, 1931, in Tipton County, Tennessee to the late Barney "Floyd" Cullum and Charlie B. (Reeder) Cullum.

Alma graduated from Munford High School, in Tennessee, with the Class of 1948 where she was an outstanding basketball player. She was employed at the Memphis Naval base at the switchboard, PX, and Officer's Club and was crowned Miss Navy in 1948. She married the love of her life on March 5, 1949, Lewis A. Ball, a Chief in the US Navy (ret.). Alma considered being married to a military officer a privilege and honor. She welcomed the adventure of living in different places and made many friends over the years. While living in San Antonio, Texas, she worked at building computer relay boards. She worked in Galion, Ohio, in medical billing and coding for a time and retired from Therm-O-Disc after nearly 20 years of service. Alma was a 40-year member of the Naval Fleet Reserve Auxiliary and served as President for three years.

A true southern belle, Alma was quiet, dainty and very lady-like. She was a Christian woman who was very involved in her church and lived her life giving of herself to others. It brought special comfort to Alma to be able to care for others with love and affection. Possessing a talent for decorating, Alma enjoyed macramé, crocheting and growing and arranging many types of flowers. Alma enjoyed baking and was known for her delicious pies. She loved her family dearly and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great granddaughter held a special place in her heart.

She is survived by two children, Judi (Bill) Vickers and Michael (Linda) Ball; eight grandchildren, Bill (Lori) Holzworth Jr., Mike (Jodie) Holzworth, Jonathan (Lori) Holzworth, Aimee (Mark) Cooper, Josh (Wendy) Ball, Mitchell (Heidi) Ball, Anna Ball and Zach Ball; fourteen great-grandchildren, Chelsi, Jennifer, Max (Hannah), Michael, Alyson, Alaina, Christopher, Haili, Katie, Austin, Chandler, Mason, Caitlynn and Tarynn; and one great-great granddaughter, Arianna. Alma is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including her special niece, Betty Roberts.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lewis Ball; three brothers; and two sisters.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Robert Stull will follow at 2:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans).