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JoAnn Marie Ball (Hawkins) of Powell, Wyoming passed away in her home on Saturday, June 22, at the age of 89.
She was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, to Hardy and Flora Hawkins. When she was 6 years old her family moved to Fairview, Oregon, and later to Boring, Oregon, where she attended high school (Sandy High). She grew up with three sisters and one brother.
After graduating from Sandy High School in 1953, she worked and later attended Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland.
In 1956, with the help of an aunt and a cousin, she met and married Cecil James Ball. For 64 years she was a faithful wife until Cecil passed away in 2020. Together they raised five children in which time she dedicated herself to supporting her husband in his role as pastor and other endeavors in multiple states and even Canada.
In 2013, JoAnn and Cecil made their final earthly move from Montrose, Colorado to Powell, Wyoming. Here they were involved in the community through several Bible studies, Home School Coop, and took part in a ministry at the local nursing home. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband; two siblings, H.B. and Evaughn; her son, Greg; daughter-in-law, Mary Evelyn; and grandson, David (stillborn).
JoAnn is survived by her sisters, Willa Pendergraft of Portland, Oregon, and Laverta Eblen of Boring, Oregon; sons Ken (Marcy) of Union, Oregon; Mike (Faith) of Loreto, Mexico and Deaver, Wyoming; Nate (Carmen) of Aurora, Colorado; daughter Kayla (Wade) Barnard of Powell, Wyoming; daughter-in-law Elsa Ball of Montrose, Colorado; 29 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
One of JoAnn’s many strengths was her memory, especially for names and dates. Upon request she could tell you the birthday of any of her 62 great-grandchildren/grandchildren. Also, her family and friends valued her faithful prayers to the God to whom she committed her life when she was 15 years old at a Billy Graham crusade. She was a great prayer warrior and an inspiration to those she met and with whom she spent time.
A family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 3, at Crown Hill Cemetery. A memorial will take place on Saturday, July 6, at 2 p.m. at Grace Point Church.
