Robert “Burt” Ball

Robert “Burt” Ball, 78, of Highland, IL, died Sunday, January 5, 2014, at his residence.

Burt was born July 11, 1935, to Carl Lewis and Inez (nee Miller) Ball, in Hamburg, IL.  On July 14, 1972, he married Michele LaDuke in Pico-Rivera, CA.

He was a member of Highland Hope United Methodist Church, Highland, IL where he was a former Chairman of the Trustees.  He was a Charter member Elfun Society of G.E.

Burt was a very kind and loving gentle man.  He loved to ride horses in his retirement.  He liked to go hunting and loved outdoors.  He just recently took up surf fishing.  He also liked to travel.  He had a lifelong daily ritual of studying the Bible.  He was a meticulous planner including planning for retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Michele Ball, Highland, IL; 1 daughter, Kate (Rex) ; 1 son, Mark (Michelle); 3 grandchildren, Stephen (Kristen), Nathan Robert (twin), and Natalie Marie (twin) ; 1 great grandchild, Lydia; 2 sisters, Vera Ball and Bernice Hagen; 1 brother, Gail (Crista) Ball; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Lewis and Inez Ball; 1 brother in infancy; 1 sister in infancy.

Memorials may be made to the Maasai Nosim Missions.

Visitation: Sunday, January 19, 2014, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Highland Hope United Methodist Church, Highland, IL.

Celebration of life: Sunday, January 19, 2014, at 2:00 pm at Highland Hope United Methodist Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Rev. Dr. Bev L. Wilkes Null, Pastor

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.