JANET ASHLEY BALL was born October 31, 1916, on the family farm near Decatur, Nebraska,  to Charles M. and Lucy (Gantz) Ashley.  She passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Burgess Health Center in Onawa, Iowa, at the age of 93 years.

Janet attended Decatur Public School. As a young girl she enjoyed riding her horse, Daisy, both to school  and for pleasure.  

On August 23, 1933, Janet married Hiram E. Ball. To this union were born 7 children, three boys and four girls.

Throughout her married life she belonged to Eastern Star, where she received her 50-year pin and was a Past Matron.  Janet was on the committee to establish Job’s Daughters, Bethel #36 of Decatur and also served on the Job’s Daughters Council. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Decatur, serving several years on the service committee.

She loved having company and enjoyed her family being around her. Some of her hobbies were bowling and playing cards. She belonged to the Hi-Lo Bridge Club for over 50 years and was the last surviving member.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 73 years, Hiram, 2 brothers, a sister, 2 grandsons, a granddaughter, daughter-in-law and son-in-law.

Survivors include her children, Janene (Robert) Malzer of Ephrata, PA, James (Paula) Ball of Bella Vista, AR, Elisabeth Carlsten of Eagen, MN, Harriet Jones of Omaha, NE, Cindy (Arlen) Kempcke of Lyons, NE, Don (Jan) Ball  and David (Gloria) Ball all of Fremont; 26 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law and a  brother-in-law.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Monday, July 26, 2010, 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Decatur.

MEMORIAL GATHERING: Sunday, July 25, 2010, 5 - 7 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services Lyons.

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur.

MEMORIALS: To the Family

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelanfuneralservices@hotmail.com