Linda Mae Ball, 69, of Saint Clairsville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on the early morning of July 9, 2021, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Wheeling, West Virginia, with her husband Dr. Robert Ball beside her, following a struggle with metastatic cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Sech, and her mother, Dorothy Millikin. Surviving her are her husband of forty-four years Robert, daughter Katherine Ball of Astoria, New York, son Rob (Jennifer) Ball of Columbus, Ohio, sister Anne (Vernon) Pearson of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and brother John Millikin of Winchester, Virginia.
Linda was born in September of 1951 to Charles and Dorothy (Landgraf) Sech of Ypsilanti Michigan. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics (Dietary Sciences) from Cornell University in 1973. Following marriage in 1977, she was a military spouse and mother while also working as a Registered Dietitian for facilities including Sentara Hampton General Hospital (rental dietitian), Good Shepherd Nursing Home (Chief Dietitian for sixteen years) and the Belmont County Women Infants and Children (WIC) program.
Linda and Bob have been parishioners of Sacred Heart (Neffs, Ohio) and Saint John’s (Bellaire, Ohio) Catholic Churches for over twenty years. Prioritizing her Catholic faith, Linda assisted Bob on the parish council and with his teaching at Catholic schools until the time of her death. She was a leader of the Discovering Christ series, taught vacation Bible school, and volunteered regularly including with the lunch program at Saint John’s Central Academy. Her favorite activities have included gardening, music and playing the piano, sewing, genealogy, and volunteering. She was known for her mild demeanor and gentle manner.
Visitation will be held at Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home, 441 37th Street in Bellaire, Ohio on Friday, July 16, 2021, from 2:00-4:00PM with a 3PM Chaplet and Rosary and from 6:00-8:00PM. A vigil service will be held at 7:45PM. Visitation will continue at 9:00AM on Saturday, July 17, with funeral mass at the adjacent Saint John’s Church at 10:00AM, Fr. Daniel Heusel officiating. The mass will be viewable by livestream on the church Facebook page. Internment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Wheeling, concluding with a reception in the basement of the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint John’s Church, RE: Linda Ball Memorial Fund, or to the Saint Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital
I remember Mrs. Ball from childhood days. Her daughter and I were best friends growing up, and Mrs. Ball was a kind and devoted mom. I will never forget the Christmas Eve we all spent together at my house when power went out. She had such a sweet, gentle personality. She was such a kind person, a friend to all, and very much loved by her family. Praying for her family during this difficult time.
I knew Linda from the science fairs at St. John Central High School as well as at Masses at St.John Church. She was always so gracious and helpful. Bob, I am sure you will miss her after 44 years together. I imagine that she has an express pass to heaven.
Our sincerely sympathy to Bob and family. We will never forget Linda and her faith and charity.
Linda was a neighbor & friend who shared a love of flowers & birds with me. Such a kind, gentle, caring person who exhibited such positiveness in life and a deep faith in God. I will miss our conversations, your smile & laugh. Good Bless and sending thoughts & prayers to your family
To Bob & family: Heaven has gained an Angel. Linda was always so sweet & so kind & loving. My heartfelt prayers for you for Peace & Strength. I will truly miss her.
Bob and family, you have my deepest sympathy and fervent prayers.
Rest in peace Linda !!
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Linda Mae, My dear cousin. We knew each other when we were young. I remember those families reunions, especially your grandparents, my Uncle Dan and Aunt Eva. We share genes and family values as well as Christmas cards. We have been far away in distance, but near in love. Blessings to you and your family. May we meet again one day
To the Ball family, you have my sincerest sympathy. Heaven gained a beautiful soul! May God comfort you in this very difficult time! Rest in peace Linda!