Lola Mae Ball

peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Lola was born on September 8, 1942, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Colleen (Laverne) and Homer Sanders. Throughout her childhood, she lived all across New Mexico, Utah, California, and Texas. She graduated as salutatorian from Van Vleck High School in Texas, where she also lettered in both volleyball and basketball.

In 1962, Lola married the love of her life, Tom Ball. Together

they shared 39 wonderful years of marriage and welcomed

their two children, Charlie and Lauren, while living in Sacramento, California. The family later moved to Merced, where they joined Lola's beloved sister and best friend, Loreace, and her three children.

Merced became the place Lola called home longer than anywhere else, and it was there that she built a lasting community of friends. She and Tom were proud members of the Merced Golf and Country Club, and Lola was actively involved in community organizations, like Rainbow Girls. She also took great pride in welcoming foreign exchange students, serving as both a host family and community liaison, creating lifelong friendships across the world.

Lola was as crafty as they come; a gifted creator who loved repurposing, upcycling, and "MacGyvering" just about anything. Later in life, she fulfilled her entrepreneurial dream by opening a small business specializing in unique crafts, textile patterns, and home goods. Her many passions included golf, genealogy, international travel, heated cribbage tournaments, family gatherings, and preserving family history and traditions for future generations.

She was known for her quick wit, practicality, and frequent reminders to both family and strangers alike about the meaning of sarcasm and the importance of never taking yourself too seriously. Above all else, Lola cherished being a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren, and they, in turn, will forever treasure the love, laughter, wisdom, and memories she gave them.

Lola was preceded in death by her mother, Colleen (Laverne); her sister, Loreace ("Recie"); and her husband, Tom.

She is survived by her half-siblings, Alton, Vicky, Carol, and Tammy; her children, Charlie and Lauren; her cherished grandchildren, Mallie, Foster, Tommy, and JD; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

We miss you already and always will.

In accordance with her wishes, no public service will be held. Her immediate family will gather privately to reunite her ashes with those of her late husband in a celebration of their lives together.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice.

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos Ball family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Sierra Calvert, Funeral Arranger.