Wilma Joan Ball

Wilma Joan (Brown) Ball, age 88, of Princeton, Kansas passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at Rock Creek of Ottawa, Ottawa, Kansas.

Wilma was born June 7, 1937 in Kansas to Howard and Grace (Phillips) Brown. She was the older sister to Carol, Charles and Lyle. She grew up near and graduated from Rantoul High School with the class of 1955.

On October 21,1956 she married Ronald Dean Ball at New Hope Baptist Church. They shared nearly 69 years of marriage. Wilma and Ron were the proud parents of 3 sons, Rocky. Clint. and John.

Wilma was a waitress at Lee's Café then took a break to raise their sons. She went to work at JB Big Boy's when the boys were older and later began working at McDonald's of Ottawa. After about 20 years she retired as Manager.

She was the KS State Horseshow Circuit Secretary for 9 Years.

Wilma enjoyed traveling, puzzles, gardening, mowing, playing softball, and watching KC Chiefs, KC Royals, And KU Jayhawks Basketball. She could be seen in the stands cheering on her kids and grandkids in whatever sport they were playing. Wilma was competitive and Loved playing Bingo, Dominoes, Marbles and every card game she could think of with family and friends. Often these games happened after her family ate the meal she had lovingly prepared for them. There was always plenty of food for anyone that showed up. Wilma enjoyed many hours fishing with her Mom. And later with her kids and grandkids.

She was a thoughtful gift giver. Often, she would have to write a note to explain the gift because she was laughing too hard to tell you why the strange object was chosen Just For You!

Wilma was proceeded in death by her parents; her in laws John and Georgia Ball; sister Carol Stubler; brothers Charles and Lyle Brown; brother in laws Donald Ball and Donald Higgins; sister in laws Sondra Brown and Mary Ball; and a niece Dana Brown.

She is survived by her husband Ron of the home; 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, and Johnny Ball; great grandchildren Courtney (Kendael) Kitzman, Katie Calderwood, Ty Calderwood, Bennett, Brooklyn and Blakely Ball, and Briar and Bodie Ball. She is also survived by sister in laws Berniece Brown and Sharon Higgins along with several nieces and nephews.

Wilma was an amazing Mom, Grandma, Relative and Friend who will be missed by many.

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