Judy Ellen Ball

Judy Ball 77, of Mancelona, Michigan passed away on 2/1/24 after a stroke.

Judy was born on 8/28/1946 to Milton and Ellen Backofen in Charlotte Michigan. After Judy graduated from Charlotte High School in 1964 she continued her education at Western Michigan University as a music major. This is where she and Chuck Ball, a fellow trombonist and musician met and fell in love. In 1965 they were married.

Judy and Chuck went on to adopt 2 children, Rena and Weston.

She loved directing color guard in the Allegan Marching band alongside side her husband for many years in the 70s and 80s.

She was very involved with Music Makers, Eastern Star, and The Allegan Community Players directing music and acting in productions of The Pajama Game, Oliver, Wizard of Oz, and Fiddler on the Roof to name a few.

She loved being a school teacher and mentor, getting kids involved with creative studies like Odyssey of the Mind and music. Her passion for teaching tremendously influenced the lives of hundreds of students.

When Judy retired, she and Chuck spent much time traveling all over the United States and went to many concerts.

She and Chuck also developed an educational program for inmates at the Allegan county jail creating a path for many inmates to receive their GED.

Judy was predeceased by her parents Milton and Ellen Backofen and nephew Alex Lynam. She is survived by her husband Chuck Ball; children Rena Rettinger and Weston Ball, grand children Aiden and Colin Ball, and Madissen Kozel; two sisters Linda Crawford and Nancy Lynam; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the spring with more details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Cancer Society donate.cancer.org