BARBARA BALL, age 84, of Luverne, died Sunday, August 27, 2017 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. She was born July 18, 1933, in Luverne, to Harold and Laura (Swenson) Newton. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1951. After high school, Barb worked in Auburn, WA at the Rainbow Café with her aunt. She then worked as a telephone operator for thirty one and a half years for US West telephone in Albert Lea, Luverne and Sioux Falls.

   Barb married the love of her life, Harvey Ball on June 18, 1994. The couple lived in Luverne. Harvey died on January 31, 2002.

   She was a passionate member of the United Methodist Church, in Luverne, where she held positions in every job except Pastor. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers, Grief Share Group and Coloring Club in Luverne. Barb had many interests and hobbies which included traveling, playing games, shopping, enjoying time at the family cabin on Lake Sarah, cooking and making chocolates and caramels and sharing them with others. Barb was often referred to as a ‘social butterfly’ simply enjoying life.

   Barb is survived by her daughters, Luana (Jeff Boomgaarden) Ball (and grand dogs!) Minneapolis; and Linda (Randy Patrick) Ball, Lakeville; close family members, Colleen and Richard DeSchepper, Luverne; Ann and Don Ciochetto, Brandon, SD; Lori and Jim VonHoltum, Lismore; Cindy and Dale Reverts, Luverne; Duane and Joyce Mulder, Luverne; and many other family and friends.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Marlys Mulder; and her husband, Harvey Ball.           

  Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Thursday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral will be 10:30 am Friday at the United Methodist Church, in Luverne, officiated by Pastor Theodora Hall. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.

   Memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church, in Luverne. A portion of undesignated memorials will be directed to Monarch butterfly conservation in her name.

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