Ronald Dean Ball

Ronald Dean Ball was born on September 7, 1936 in Ottawa Kansas to John W and Georgia (Brown) Ball. He died peacefully on April 1, 2026 at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Hospital in Shawnee, Mission, Kansas

Ron was united in marriage with Wilma Brown on October 21st, 1956 at New Hope Baptist Church in Wellsville, Kansas. They shared nearly 69 years of marriage before Wilma’s death on September 26, 2025. Their love, devotion, and commitment to each other was unwavering.

Ron was a union pipefitter and took pride in whatever project he was working on. Ron was a past president of the Kansas State Horse Show Circuit and a member of the Lawrence GunFighters Association. He was a well-respected horse farrier in the community for many years.

Ron was affectionately known as the world’s slowest eater. He was never in a rush to finish a good meal. Ron enjoyed traveling on cruise ships and buses with Wilma and their travel friends. They enjoyed many trips to Branson and had the most fun on “Mystery Trips," often guessing where the bus was going before even getting their luggage loaded and finding their seats. He enjoyed attending all types of shows and concerts at Ottawa Memorial Auditorium and played Bingo every chance he got, often winning or at least breaking even.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; his parents; his in laws Howard and Grace Brown; his twin brother Donald; Sister in laws Carol Stubler, Mary Ball, Sondra Brown; Brother in laws Donn Higgins, Lyle Brown, and Charles Brown; and a niece Dana Brown.

He is survived by his sons Rocky Ball of Princeton, Clint (Kimela) Ball of Parsons, and John Howard (Carol) Ball of Ottawa; grandchildren Christy (Chris) Calderwood, Travis (Katrina) Ball, Jessica (Amy) Ball, Bailey Ball, Johnny Ball; great grandchildren Courtney (Kendael) Kitzman, Katie Calderwood, Ty Calderwood, Bennett, Brooklyn, and Blakely Ball, and Briar and Bodie Ball; sister Sharon Higgins and sister in law Berniece Brown, along with several nieces and nephews.

Celebrations of Ron's life will begin with a visitation on April 7, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dengel & Son Mortuary, located at 235 S Hickory St, Ottawa, Kansas. The funeral service will follow on April 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location, culminating with interment at Princeton Cemetery, 1490 US-59, Princeton, Kansas.

Ron was a man of few words but had a big heart and would help anyone who needed it. He quietly loved his family and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Christian Princeton Church, 514 Grove Street, Princeton, Kansas 66078.

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