Ronald James Ball

Ronald James Ball, Jr. died Thursday, March 26, 2015 doing what he loved best, working on his farm. R.J. was born in Idaho Falls to Ronald and Emily Ball on June 10, 1943. He attended school at Lewisville Elementary, and Midway Jr. High. He then attended Rigby High school where he wrestled and was active in the FFA. He spent time working on the farm, playing with his cousins, and teasing his sisters. After graduating from high school he served a mission to the Central America Mission. There he gained his love for the Spanish language, culture, and people. He returned to attend Rick’s College where he met many lifelong friends, including his wife of 48 years, Dianna Powell of Lehi, UT. On May 12, 1967 they were married in the Salt Lake City Temple while he was on leave from the Air Force. They lived in Sumpter South Carolina for two years followed by a two year assignment to the Philipines. Upon their return he attended BYU for a semester, and then decided to farm. He started farming and settled with his growing family in Monteview, Idaho. R.J. and Dianna raised nine children. R.J.’s greatest joys in life came from farming and spending time with his family. He loved being among the people in the local farming community. He would talk to anyone and everyone for as long as they needed. After his kids were raised, he was able to serve a mission with his sweet companion to the San Bernadino California Mission. He served a lifelong mission among the Hispanic population in the area. He served on the local VFW and enjoyed his responsibilities there. He is survived by his children, Andy (Dovie) of Mapleton, UT; Doug (Kathlynn) of Grace, ID; Kristen (Larry) Simmons of Soda Springs, ID; Brooke (Jerry) Cook of Fargo, ND; Brian (Sandra) of Lemoore, CA; Ann (Mike) Wilcox of Chubbuck, ID; Kimberly (Adam) Harker of Pasco, WA; Michelle (Barrett) Johnson of Brigham City, UT; Eric (Tiffany) of Lake Stevens, WA; and 45 grandkids; sisters Rosalie (Dick) Jones of Lewisville, ID; Margaret (Steve) Wilkins of Boise, ID; Susan (Richard) Plant of Blackfoot, ID, and brother s Carl (Julene) of Hamer, ID; Robert (Debbie) of Hamer, ID; brothers-in-law Paul (Lori) Jones of St. George, UT, Kent Archibald of Rexburg, ID. He was preceded in death by his wife Dianna, parents, and sisters Bonnie and Elaine. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation in his memory to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund or LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund. Words cannot begin to express the appreciation for the ongoing thoughts and prayers in his behalf. Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Friday April 3, 2015 at the Terreton stake center, 1297 E 1500 N in Terreton. The family will receive friends from 6pm-8pm Thursday, April 2nd from 10am-11:45am prior to Tuesday’s services at the church in Terreton. Interment will be at the Lewisville Cemetery at approximately 4:30pm.