Clara Henrietta (Clampitt) Ball

Clara Henrietta (Clampitt) Ball, aged 95, passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 21, 2026.

Clara was born on August 4, 1930, in Bolivar, Missouri, to Phil and Visa (Zumwalt) Clampitt. Following the birth of her brother Gene, the family moved to Humansville, Missouri, where Clara grew up and graduated from Humansville High School in 1947. After graduation she worked a part-time job until she met the love of her life, Jesse Ball, at a local community center social event. The couple married in Eldorado Springs, Missouri, on February 25, 1949. Eager to plant their roots, they moved to Kansas City and eventually settled in Raytown, Missouri, where they raised their two children, Gary and Cathy.

Clara took immense pride in raising her children and keeping a tidy, welcoming home. Around 1964, she and Jesse joined the Thunderbird Square Dance Club, remaining active members until Jesse’s retirement. Clara loved flowers, bird watching and gardening. They kept a large garden for many years, enjoying the fruits of their labors year-round as Clara preserved and canned much of what they grew. She spent many years crocheting blankets, lovingly completing one for each of her grandchildren. In her 50s, Clara fought a courageous battle with breast cancer and emerged victorious.

Following Jesse’s retirement from General Motors in 1979, the couple embraced a life of travel. Every fall, they journeyed to Texas to escape the winter cold, a tradition they shared until 2018. They also spent many memorable summers in Alaska, where they worked the State Fair and fished for salmon, which Clara meticulously canned. Clara resided in her cherished Raytown home for 66 years, until June of 2025 when she moved to the John Knox Village community. She recently transferred to Addington Place of Lee’s Summit for additional care and hospice services.

Clara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesse Ball; her parents, Phil and Visa Clampitt; and her brother, Gene Clampitt. She is survived by her devoted children, Gary Ball of Raytown, MO, and Cathy Brownfield of Lee’s Summit, MO; Her six grandchildren: Christy Karr (Scott), Aaron Brownfield, Mindy Guthrie (Jeremy), Andrew Brownfield (Molly), Kelly Burr (Jordan), and Kody Finger (Andrew); and her five great-grandchildren: Kaylea Lagrone, Ensley and Cade Guthrie, Alex Brownfield, and Oliver Burr. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will deeply miss her conversation and companionship.

Clara supported Jesse’s involvement with the Shriners so in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Shriners Children’s of St. Louis. Donate to Shriners Children’s – Give Now

Visitation will be 2pm, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, followed by funeral services at 3pm, at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133. Graveside Services will be Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Brooking Cemetery.