Elsie Ball

(Zelda) Elsie Ball, 92, of Rushville passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023, at her home. She was born October 27, 1930, in Fayette County, Iowa to Fred and Glenna (Fish) Zuercher. She married Ivan Johnson in September 1947. Following his death, she married Frank J. Ball on February 6, 1952. He preceded her in death on December 18, 2003.

She is survived by one son, Larry Ball of Cooper City, FL, two daughters, Pam (Mike) Strong of Nauvoo, IL, and Debbi (Scott) Brasier of Cary, IL; four grandchildren- Hilary (Travis) Carter, Avery (Dami) Ball, Sarah Tillitt, and Joe (Haley) Brasier and four great-grandchildren- Brayden and Dylan Carter, Maryn Brasier, and Bryson Ball. She is also survived by one sister, Zana Cooper of Cedar Rapids, IA, many in-laws, nieces, nephews, other family members, and her loving cat Sammy. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Leona, Jack, Maudie and Marion, and a dear daughter-in-law Brucie Taylor Ball.

Elsie and Frank lived in Manchester, IA, Hoopeston, IL, and Nappanee, IN before moving to Rushville in 1964. Frank managed the former Hornsby Store with Elsie by his side. They purchased the business in the early 1970s and it became Ball Variety. They devoted their lives to that business until their retirement.

Never one to sit idle, Elsie used her creative abilities to establish a thriving memorial flower business, making and selling from her home. For several years, she and Frank participated in craft shows where they made and sold their various craft creations. Later, they participated in the Mini-Mall during the Christmas season and had a shop in their home- L.C. Creations.

Throughout her life she served on several committees and clubs including the Chamber of Commerce, Business and Professional Women, Royal Neighbors of America, and the American Heart Association, as well as participating on many community and charity projects. She enjoyed working in her yard and spent many hours weeding her flower gardens. During football season, you would find her glued to the TV watching every televised game. Her greatest pride, however, was her family. She attended the Rushville Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Fred and Judy Fritz and the entire church family were dear to her heart.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Triplett and Wood Funeral Home in Rushville. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at noon. Graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Tipton Masonic Cemetery in Tipton, Iowa. Memorials may be made to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice and the Rushville Church of the Nazarene.

The Funeral Service for Elsie Ball will be livestreamed: https://my.gather.app/remember/elsie-ball 

Condolences may be left for the family at www.triplettwood.com