Ruth Olga Ball
November 23rd, 1922 - February 12th, 2023
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Ruth's Obituary
Ruth Olga Ball, 100, of Benton Harbor passed away on Sunday, Feb 12, 2023 at Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo. Ruth was born on Nov. 23, 1922 to The Reverend Hynek and Olga Kovar in Herreid, South Dakota. Ruth married the love of her life, Herschel Ball on April 29, 1939 in Charleston, Mo. At the time of his passing; they had been married over 50 years.
Ruth worked at VM Corporation for 22 years and retired from Gast Manufacturing. Ruth was an active and long-time member of Saron Lutheran Church. She was a regular volunteer on many committees, including the church council and altar guild. Ruth served over 20 years at the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen as a volunteer, interim director and assistant to the director of the kitchen. Her greatest joy was serving the many who came to eat at the kitchen, making friends and being lovingly referred to as Mother Ruth by the regular visitors.
Ruth enjoyed traveling to the upper peninsula to visit her brother Ervin and his wife Wanda. They spent hours playing cards and reminiscing about happy times.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents: the Reverend Hynek and Olga Kovar, husband: Herschel Ball, brother: Ervin Kovar and Sister-in-law: Wanda Kovar, Nephews: Kenneth Bowman, Raymond Bowman, and Niece: Caroline Beltrun.
Ruth is survived by her nephews: Delmar (Debra) Kovar and David (Caryn) Kovar of Engadine, Mi., niece: Ruth Ann Kirksey of Metropolis, Il., cousin Lucy (Junior) Thompson of Oregon and many friends.
A celebration of life service will be held, Friday, Feb. 17th, at Saron Lutheran Church, 510 Main Street, St. Joseph with the Rev. Joan Oleson officiating. The service will begin at 11am with a time of visitation beginning at 10 am. Burial will take place at North Shore Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Saron Lutheran Church, 510 Main Street., St. Joseph, MI 49085 or the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen, 233 Michigan Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 556-9450.
Ruth worked at VM Corporation for 22 years and retired from Gast Manufacturing. Ruth was an active and long-time member of Saron Lutheran Church. She was a regular volunteer on many committees, including the church council and altar guild. Ruth served over 20 years at the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen as a volunteer, interim director and assistant to the director of the kitchen. Her greatest joy was serving the many who came to eat at the kitchen, making friends and being lovingly referred to as Mother Ruth by the regular visitors.
Ruth enjoyed traveling to the upper peninsula to visit her brother Ervin and his wife Wanda. They spent hours playing cards and reminiscing about happy times.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents: the Reverend Hynek and Olga Kovar, husband: Herschel Ball, brother: Ervin Kovar and Sister-in-law: Wanda Kovar, Nephews: Kenneth Bowman, Raymond Bowman, and Niece: Caroline Beltrun.
Ruth is survived by her nephews: Delmar (Debra) Kovar and David (Caryn) Kovar of Engadine, Mi., niece: Ruth Ann Kirksey of Metropolis, Il., cousin Lucy (Junior) Thompson of Oregon and many friends.
A celebration of life service will be held, Friday, Feb. 17th, at Saron Lutheran Church, 510 Main Street, St. Joseph with the Rev. Joan Oleson officiating. The service will begin at 11am with a time of visitation beginning at 10 am. Burial will take place at North Shore Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Saron Lutheran Church, 510 Main Street., St. Joseph, MI 49085 or the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen, 233 Michigan Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 556-9450.
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