Laura M. Ball

Laura Marie Ball of Erie, MI, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo, Ohio surrounded by her loving family.

Laurie was born in Toledo, OH to Milton Russell and Judy (Glazier) Bell. She was raised primarily in Erie, MI and graduated from Mason Senior High School in 1993.

Laurie married the love of her life and soulmate, Clarence Ball on June 23, 2014. Their love blended two families into one, to forge forever bonds and new traditions.

Laurie was very family-oriented. Her hope to everyone in her final days was for the family to stay strong together and continue her traditions on holidays with the whole family together. Holidays were filled with joy and laughter. Her family will miss her insistence of wearing silly hats and festive accessories, her fabulous cooking, creativity in making up goofy games to induce laughter, and her incredible wrapping skills.

Her daughters will always remember their mom as being their biggest supporter, cheering on the biggest and smallest accomplishments, listening endlessly to all of life’s problems and how “extra” she was in which Laurie happily embraced the term.

Laurie had a keen sense of humor and had everyone, including her health care providers, laughing right up to her last days.

Laurie worked for State Farm Insurance as an insurance representative and found a great neighbor in her work family. She was so thankful to have built such strong friendships with her boss, coworkers and policy holders.

Her hobbies including baking, cooking, crafting and spending many hours floating around her pool. Laurie loved her weekly Friday date nights with her husband Clarence and trying different restaurants or activities. Laurie was a loyal Michigan Wolverine fan and her and Clarence loved attending games and cheering on the Wolverines at the Big House....Go Blue!!

Her grandchildren will miss craft days, morning rides to school in which Laurie (Mimi) would spoil them with hot chocolate, and summer fundays in her beloved swimming pool.

Laurie was a great friend to many, especially the “Golden Tribe,” with whom she met with monthly to toast and solve all the world’s issues.

Laurie is survived by her loving husband, Clarence Ball III; daughters, Autumn (Devin) Smith, Sierra Ellis, Dakotah Earl, Ashley (Matt) McIntosh; sons, Blayde Ball and Hunter Ball; grandchildren, Leah, Aubree, McKinlee, Emilee, Adalynn, and Jamison. Also survived by papa, Jerry Nutten; father, Milton (Jackie) Russell; step-mother, Nanci Dean-Russell; mother-in-law, Shirley (Frank) Ball; and her two brothers, Kurt (Alexandra) Russell and Nicholas (Camille) Russell.

Laurie was preceded in death by her mother, Judy Bell; grandmothers, Laura Nutten and Marie Russell; grandfathers, Dwayne Glazier and Milton Russell Sr.

The Ball Family would like to thank family and friends (and Laurie’s Village), that helped us get through the recent, challenging days; St. Annes Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital staff and especially Dr. Hauger or as Laurie called him “Dr. Ponytail” for the wonderful care and compassion during her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Please join us in Celebrating Laurie’s life on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 2 pm – 5 pm for an open house at Schedel Gardens, 19255 West Portage River South Road, Elmore, Ohio 43416.