Marguerite Ball

Marguerite gracefully walked into the loving arms of her Savior late Saturday night, September 1, 2012, after a long, courageous battle with COPD.

Marguerite was born on December 5, 1929 in Akron, Ohio to her loving parents, Mary and Fay Smallridge. She resided in the Akron area her entire life, and lived in Ellet on Wirth Avenue for over fifty years. After graduating from East High School in 1948, she married Clyde Reed. Clyde served in the U.S. Navy, and after leaving the navy, worked at Mohawk Rubber Company. Marguerite and Clyde were blessed with five lovely children. Sadly, however, after only twelve years of marriage, Clyde lost a strong yet short battle with cancer. Marguerite found work as the church secretary at North Springfield Presbyterian Church and remained there for several years.

In the early 1970’s, a new neighbor moved next door on Wirth Avenue. Mearl Ball, with two sons and two daughters of his own, moved into the neighborhood to find a home closer to his work at Ellet High School shortly after he lost his wife. Marguerite and Mearl married in 1972. They were together over 38 years until Mearl passed away in November 2010.

Marguerite was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and a friend to all she met. Marguerite will be deeply missed by her lifelong friends, Violet McKay and Margaret Oppihle. They were all dear and close friends who lived in the Ellet area. They not only raised their families, they also shared the happiness and sorrows of life together. The example she lived is a testament to Marguerites’ loving heart, beauty and care to all of those who knew her.

Although she was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Fay Smallridge; and her husband, Clyde Reed; and husband, Mearl Ball, she celebrated life. She loved and adored all of her children, step-children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marguerite regrettably leaves her daughters, Sharon (Wayne) Carmany, June (Ron) Buck, Velda (Mike) Ashley; sons, Robert (Michelle) Reed and Charles Reed; step-son, James Ball; and step-daughter, Zonna (Keith) Fenn. She will sadly be missed by her grandchildren, Jennifer, Bryan, Sarah, Jarrett, Brandon, Cassandra, Traci, Andrew and Brittany; and her great grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler, Nathan, Avalyn, Alyssa, Lily, Leah, Tabitha, Ian and Myla.

Funeral service Tuesday, 1 p.m., at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44312, with Pastor Janet C. Lowery officiating. Burial at Hillside Memorial Park. Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, from 12 to 1 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to North Springfield Presbyterian Church, 671 Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44312.