Ronald Ball

Ronald H. Ball, 87, of Savoy, passed away Tuesday  (June 26, 11:35 a.m.) at Champaign Urbana Nursing and Rehab in Savoy. Ron is survived by his wife of 66 years, LaVonne “Bonnie” Ball of Savoy, three children, Michael Ball (Laurie Vial) of Champaign, Peggy Ball of Savoy, Brian Ball (Sharon)  of rural Dewey, six grandchildren, Megan Heath (Todd)  of Pesotum, Jamie Ball of Champaign, Kyle Ball of Champaign, Amanda Peters of Ogden, Andrea Ray (Troy)  of St. Joseph, and Josh Peters of Ogden, a sister, Sharon Hyland of Savoy, a brother, David Ball (Sue) of Columbia, Maryland, and eight great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Lee Ball, his mother Ellen H. Robinett Ball Douglas, and his step-father, Robert S. Douglas, and son-in-law Kevin Peters.

Ron was born April 10, 1931 in Urbana, Illinois. He grew up in and around Foosland, Illinois. He worked at various gas stations and car dealerships as a mechanic or parts clerk. He was well respected as an Operations Supervisor at Urbana Champaign Sanitary District where he retired in 1991 after over 35 years.

Ron Ball and Bonnie Williams of Gibson City were married on June 21, 1952 at Gibson City United Methodist Church. They briefly lived in Urbana, then moved to Champaign in 1959. After moving to rural Dewey in 1975, they attended the Foosland United Methodist Church later in life.

An enthusiastic fan of trains of all kinds, especially the Wabash Railroad, Ron was very patriotic and enjoyed firearms. He enjoyed his friends and was known to be a most loyal friend. Bonnie says, while he was quiet, once he got to know you, you’d never have a better friend.

Later in life, he began to cheer on the Cubs. He played basketball in High School for the Fisher Bunnies.

A reception will be held on Friday June 29, 2018 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. A memorial service will be held immediately following the reception at 2:00 p.m. also at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, with the Reverend Gary Fairchild.

Ashes will be scattered at their old Home Place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Champaign County Humane Society (https://www.cuhumane.org/Donate/MakeaDonation.aspx) or Monticello Railway Museum (http://www.mrym.org/donation.html). Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

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