In Memory*

Kenneth Ball

Kenneth Ball

 

Posted: Saturday, December 14, 2013, 2:00 am.

Kenneth Malcom Ball, a resident of Montrose (CO), passed away Monday morning at the home he shared with his wife, Betty, of 41 years. He also leaves behind two brothers and a sister and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. No local services are planned. Cremation has taken place with interment to follow at a later date in Albuquerque, NM. His wife, Betty, would like to thank the many special people of Volunteers of America Home Health, San Juan Living Center and Hope West Hospice who gave him loving care during his last two months. If you would please honor his memory with a donation to Colorado West Christian School, 2705 Sunnyside Rd.. Montrose, CO 81401, or Sonshine Patch Learning Center, at the First Prebyterian Church, 1840 Niagara Rd., Montrose, CO 81401. His family would be very appreciative. Arrngements are under care of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory, Montrose, CO. Ken was also a Vietnam Veteran serving with the NM Air Guard in Tuy Hoa Vietnam.



 
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08/23/16 05:09 PM #1    

Leslie Fluke

I have been remiss in acknowledging the passing of a very good friend.  Perhaps it was Freudian because I did not want to believe that he is gone.

Ken was a very private individual so in deference to this proclivity I will not embellish on the details of his passing.  Suffice is to say he passed from Bulbar ALS.  

We shared many life experiences from our days at Garfield Jr. High School until his passing. ( All the adolescent insanity, the growing pains of high school , the absolute frustration a college education interrupted by an all expenses vacation to scenic South East Asia , marriages, beer drinking, partying with friends, the cynicism of the 60's and 70's.) Although sometimes miles apart we kept in touch if for no other reason than we were friends and comrades in thought.  Oh did I mention beer drinking.

I miss Ken and as a parting gift to him I would like to add another individual to our Memory Page.  This young man would have been a 64 graduate of Valley High School also and was very close to Kenneth.  His name was Tommy Monette.  Many of you Garfield people might have known him and the circumstances of his death.

He died of a motor scooter accident on Matthew road by Garfield on February 10th 1960.  His Cushmen  Eagle fishtailed on the dirt road.  He was thrown from the scooter and his head impacted a rock embedded in the dirt road. 

As he lay there covered in blood an small courageous teacher, Anthony Sanchez, covered Tommy with his jacket on this cold winter day, stood there in his shirtsleeves until the ambulance whisked Tommy's lifeless body away. 

Many of Tommy's friends mourned him at his funeral . Ken remained stoic although the loss of his friend was almost too much to bear.  It followed him for most of his adult life. 

So I would like to say  Ken here is the story you wished to tell.  Rest in Peace  " Your are and shall always be my friend"

Leslie

Tommy circa 1959


08/24/16 05:11 AM #2    

Sue Warren (Garley)

Ken had the best smile - he was like sunshine. I remember Tommy Monette - such a good dancer and so full of life. Thanks for remembering them, Leslie. Both have a soft place in my heart.


08/24/16 12:15 PM #3    

Jo Allan Tsyitee

So sorry to hear about Kenneth's passing. My prayers are with his family.  I too remember Tommy and how sad it was the day we were told about his passing.  


12/15/16 11:09 AM #4    

Shari Weichman (Croker)

I remember Kenneth from our Stronghurst days, Garfield and of course Valley.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Betty, and family members.  It is always sad to hear of our classmates' passing.  And I vividly remember the tragic passing of Tommy Monette who would have been one of our VHS mates too.  Thank you Leslie Fluke for your beautiful in memoriam to both.  We miss them both,


12/16/16 07:56 AM #5    

Geraldine 'Gerri' Rivera

I have always thought of Kenneth Ball as a really sweet guy, shy and stoic as Leslie recalls (most of us never participated in the beer drinking).  He was never unkind.  Every time I pass the building that housed Border Sunshine ( a Ball family business?) I think of Kenneth.  It was Linda Calderon's old street.  

I doubt any of us who were at Garfield that morning will ever forget Tommy Monette's accident.  It was a devastating moment for us all and one that made a lasting impression.  

Thank you, Leslie, for writing.


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