Arlene Crockett Ball

Arlene was born on February 25, 1935, in Albany, Missouri, the last child of eight to Oliver and Stella Crockett. She graduated from Albany High School in 1953, where she was a member of the cheerleading team, and she attended Northwest Missouri State. She married Roy D. Ball in 1965 and the couple was wed for 50 years.

In 1990, Arlene retired from Western Electric, Lee’s Summit, as a celebrated employee after 30 years of service. She was famously vivacious in her retirement, never losing the spirit of her younger years. Arlene and Roy were always the first feet on a dance floor and tremendous lovers of music. The couple enjoyed extensive travels within the United States and abroad, visiting Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy and many Caribbean Islands. They also spent their retirement winters in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley as part of a close knit and spunky band of vacationers.

Throughout her adulthood, Arlene spent more than 40 summers with her family and friends at her and Roy’s house on The Lake of the Ozarks. Arlene had the rare ability to make these lake days feel magical: many remember being taught to water ski by Arlene, boating with the couple, home cooked meals, and Arlene’s endless liveliness, warmth, and love.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Eldon, sister, Velma, nephew, Vince, three sisters in-law, and two brothers in-law. She is survived by her husband, Roy Ball, of the home, daughters Cynthia Viles Ebbert (Bryan), Catherine Viles Brattin (Kenneth), Julie Ball Lacy (Ron) and Laurie Ball Steffee (Sean). She is also survived by her grandchildren, to whom she was a doting grandmother: Kelsey Rae and Mitchell Brattin, Lucas and Evan Youngblood, Eric and Jessie Steffee, Amy Chrisjohn, and Christopher Grindinger, as well as five siblings, two great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, May 3rd, 2015, at the Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church, 28901 NE Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO, at 2:00pm, with the visitation occurring one hour prior.

The family would additionally like to express much gratitude to the staff of Season’s Care Center and Groves Community Hospice for their compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in honor of Arlene to the church or Groves Community Hospice, 15600 Woods Chapel Road, Kansas City, MO., 64139.

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Condolences

  1. Joan Canganelli Parman on April 27, 2015 at 10:40 am

    On behalf of myself and my daughter, Julia Candace McDonald, we wish to extend our most heart-felt condolences to all of Arlene’s family. Arlene was a wonderful, happy and full of life person. My late husband, Vince Robert Parman adored his Aunt Arlene. He had always talked about how much fun she was all through his growing up years and into adulthood. I met her when I was 19, and I remember thinking how much fun she was! We also think fondly at how she was the best dancer at our daughter Julia’s Wedding in 2003. Everyone was wowed by her!! We will miss her dearly!! Again our deepest sympathy and hugs and prayers.
    With Love,
    Joan Canganelli Parman
    Julia Parman McDonald
    Robert McDonald



  2. jeannette couch on April 30, 2015 at 10:57 am

    full of live. we knew Arlene and Roy from the lake. always had a good time when we visited one another at the lake. Roy and family I know you will miss her.



  3. Stewart Bishop on May 3, 2015 at 12:06 am

    I have so many fond memories of my Aunt Arlene, I wouldn’t know where to start. She was vivacious and energetic and such an integral part of our extended family.

    Wishing comfort to Roy, Cindy, Cathy, and all our family and friends, with much love, The Bishops.



  4. Steve Parman on May 3, 2015 at 10:47 am

    As kids, Vince and I always looked forward to our trips to visit Aunt Arlene and Roy. There was always something new and exciting to experience. Aunt Arlene taught us about shopping at Katz, eating tacos, doing the twist, wearing tie-die and of course the proper way to shout “Sooie Pig”. Always fast, loud and fun!



  5. Deborah (niece) and Olen (brother) my Dad on May 17, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    I will always remember her as my vivacious and say it like it is Aunt, of course with alot of grace. I appreciate that being on my own. Dad always sees her as his little sister, and is very saddened by her passing. Roy did so much for her as well as my dear cousins Cindy and Cathy. What a blessing you have been!



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