Lee Mae Ball

Lee Mae Ball, longtime Cleveland, Oklahoma resident, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2004 at the Freeman Health Center in Joplin, Missouri.

Lee Mae was born November 14, 1920 in Okeene, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Henery and Hulda Eberhart. Lee Mae was raised and attended school in Okeene, graduating from Okeene High School in 1938.

Lee Mae was married to Ned H. Ball on June 1, 1939 in Okeene. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma. When Ned was called to serve his country during World War II, Lee Mae returned to Okeene until the completion of the War. After a short time in LaVerne, they returned to Cleveland where they raised their daughter Sue Ann.

Lee Mae was an active member of the First Christian Church in Cleveland. She often assisted with Vacation Bible School and was always involved in preparing funeral dinners and other church functions. She was a member of the What-So-Ever Sunday School Class. Additionally, she sang in the church choir for many years. Lee Mae was also involved with the local Brownie and Girl Scout Troops during her daughter's childhood. She was a devoted wife and mother and worked closely with her husband's operation of the Ball Oil Company. Ned preceded her in death on February 16, 1974 while on a trip to Brownsville, Texas.

After the death of her husband, Lee Mae accepted employment at the Annett Furniture Store working for Alene Sparks. She later worked for Mary Sue Spess at the Four Seasons Clothing Store for several years.

In addition to her husband, Lee Mae was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers an sisters, Martha Lee, Lillie, Roy, Eddy, Lee, Henry and Elsa Mae. She is survived by her daughter, Sue Ann Gardner of Joplin, Missouri; two grandchildren and their spouses, Joe and Kim Gardner of Vinita, Oklahoma; Beth and David Wood of Joplin, Missouri; great grandson, Dain Wood of Joplin, Missouri; a sister, Ruth Benham of Vinita, Oklahoma; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at the Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland, Oklahoma with Emile Bayouth and Dakota Rush officiating. The family will then receive friends at the Fellowship Hall of the First Christian Church in Cleveland at 1:00 pm In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions to the First Christian Church, 100 South Division, Cleveland, Oklahoma 74020.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Lee Mae Ball at www.chapman-black.com.