Ronald James Ball

Ronald James Ball, age 87, of Lewisville, died at his home, Wednesday, February 4, 2004. Ronald was born August 15, 1916, at Lewisville, a son of Alfred William Ball and Ann Taylor Walker Ball. He attended schools in Lewisville and graduated from Midway High School in 1934. He attended the University of Idaho Southern Branch for 3 years. He married Emily Madsen in the Salt Lake LDS Temple April 8, 1940. She preceded him in death April 12, 1992. He married Verla Ball in Idaho Falls, Idaho, December 31, 1998. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission to the New England States. He served in the Young Men’s Association, and in the Lewisville 2nd Ward Bishopric, and as a Home Teacher all of his life. Ronald was a founding father of Idaho Fresh Pak. He was one of the owners of Ball Brothers Produce, and owned farms and ranches in Monteview and Hamer. Served on the Idaho Potato Commission for 6 years, and in 1990 was inducted into the Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame. He is a standing member of the Idaho Growers and Shippers. He was one of the owners of Ball Brothers Sheep Company and was a member of the Idaho Wool Growers Association, and the American Lamb Association. He was a dedicated Rigby High School Basketball Booster, and was honored as Booster of the Year in 1996. He was an avid Utah Jazz Fan. He loved his family especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed reading, photography, and collecting Lamb figurines. He is survived by his wife, Verla Ball, of Ammon, 4 daughters: Rosalie (Dick) Jones of Lewsiville, Margaret (Steve) Wilkins of Boise, Elaine (Kent) Archibald of Rexburg, and Susan Wheeler of Menan, 3 sons: R.J. (Dianna) Ball of Monteview, Carl Madsen (Julene) Ball of Hamer, and Robert Mark (Debbie) Ball of Hamer, son-in-law Paul Jones (Lori) of St George, Utah. 4 step sons, Roger (Marsha) Ball of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Alan (Connie) Ball of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Gaylon (Mary Ann) Ball of Eagle, Idaho, Wayne (Wyndee) Ball of Eagle, Idaho. Three step daughters, Coy Ann (Bill) Tilton of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Norma (John) Galazin of Menan, Idaho, Debbie (Hal) Adams, of Idaho Falls, Idaho. 2 sisters: Ann Taylor of Salt Lake City, Utah and Wanda Woodfield of Idaho Falls, 54 grandchildren and 72 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Emily, a daughter Bonnie Jones, 2 brothers, 5 sisters and 2 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. in the Lewisville 2nd Ward LDS Church with Bishop Curtis Thomas officiating. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby and on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Lewisville Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel. Contributions may be made to the L.D.S. Missionary Fund.