MARY ELIZABETH BALL "BETTE"

Mary E. Ball of Potomac Falls, VA passed from this life on June 8, 2012.

Bette was predeceased by her beloved husband of 59 years, Clyde C. Ball (1921-2008). She is survived by loving daughters Christina Ball of Potomac Falls, VA and Marianna Funk of Leesburg, VA, son-in-law Craig E. Funk, grandchildren Steven and Katherine Funk, sister Patricia Hooper of Knoxville, TN (formerly Huntington WV) and predeceased sister Joan Varney of Huntington WV (1921-2010). Bette leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bette was born on June 11, 1920 in Crooksville, OH, the daughter of Joseph and Leona Mooney. Her mother's tragic passing in 1933 was a turning point in the lives of Bette and of her two sisters. However, with the help and support of a host of loving aunts and uncles, their father continued to raise the girls amidst the added challenges of the Depression.

Bette moved from Ohio to Huntington, WV with her father and sisters in 1938, where she worked for the Corp of Engineers. In June, 1944 she enlisted in the Women's Army Corp. She served in the WWII war effort proudly on the domestic front until June, 1946.

In 1948 she married Clyde C. Ball in Huntington, WV with whom she had a long, loving and beautiful marriage.
They lived in Huntington until 1960, where Clyde worked for the Associated Press, and Bette began her excellent role of fabulous mother to two daughters, Christina "Chrissie" and Marianna.

In 1960, they relocated to the Main Line of the Philadelphia area where Clyde continued to work for the AP and later Philco-Ford. In 1970, they moved to Herndon VA when Clyde took a position in public affairs with the Dept. of Commerce. At that time Bette began working for the Warrant Officers Association in Herndon, where she served for many years.

Retiring in 1986, they moved to Loudoun County, where they were warmly welcomed by the congregation of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Purcellville, and remained members until the time of their passing. In 1997, they moved to their home in the Falcons Landing Continuing Care Retirement Community in Potomac Falls, VA, enjoying a new life with many supportive & wonderful friends there.

Bette was an independent and fun-loving person her entire life. Over the years she was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking wonderful meals, loved a good laugh, nature and gardening, painting and crafts, singing with her husband to his acoustic guitar, listening to all kinds of music, traveling to visit family in WV, Ohio & to family reunions on the Outer Banks, and to other favorite destinations. She loved keeping up with her family and friends on Facebook, playing internet solitaire and was a big fan of Survivor, Jeopardy, the cooking shows and public TV.

She loved animals and over the years treasured the companionship of beloved family dogs, Peaches & Sara, and cat, Holly.

Bette was most of all a deeply devoted, supportive, generous and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, in-law and friend. She will be sorely missed and always loved.

Family will receive friends on Friday, June 15, 2012 at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg from 11:00am to 1:00pm. A graveside service will follow at 2:00pm at Ebenezer Cemetery, Bloomfield, Virginia.

Following the services everyone is invited to a reception held at the home of Marianna and Craig Funk, 19128 Coton Reserve Drive, Leesburg, VA. 20176. (Lansdowne)

Directions:
7W to left on Belmont Ridge Rd.; left on Riverside Parkway; left on Coton Reserve Drive; second house on left.