of Greenbrier, AR
March 11, 1930 - December 10, 2020
Blanche Estelle (Foreman) Ball was born in Rosebud, Arkansas on March 11, 1930. She was the eldest child of Earl and Myrtle Mae Foreman. She was the elder sister to little brothers Charles and James. The family moved to Conway, Arkansas in 1942 and Blanche graduated from Conway High in 1946. She was a proud Wampus Cat her whole life.
Blanche went on to Hendrix College to study music and complete a degree in education in 1949. She also met the love of her life, Derwin Ball, at Hendrix, and they married in August 1949. Blanche was an accomplished pianist and organist, and she made extra income throughout her life as a church organist in many places where the family lived.
Derwin's military and later civil service career gave them opportunities to call many different places home. They lived in Alameda, CA, Danville, AR, North Little Rock, AR, Lincoln, NE, Leavenworth, KS, Berlin, Germany, and back to Leavenworth. During those years they had four children, two of whom passed away before age two of cystic fibrosis. Their children, Marsha and Brit, both grew to adulthood, although Marsha died of cystic fibrosis at age 41.
Blanche and Derwin loved each other dearly and personified the ideal of cleaving to each other through the joys and challenges of marriage. They retired back to their beloved Arkansas in 1997 and made their home in Springhill since then. They enjoyed spending time with old friends, working in their garden and flower beds, and volunteering at many church ministries and community service organizations. For many years, they spent the winter months in Mission, TX, and had a group of dear friends there through their church and volunteer work. Blanche was very proud to be a 50+ year member of the P.E.O. sisterhood. Blanche was a bright light of love and joy in this world, and she will be remembered for her kind spirit and gentle humor.
Blanche is preceded in death by her parents, children Rodney, Louann, and Marsha, and her brothers Charles Foreman and James Foreman. She is survived by Derwin, her husband of 71 years, son Brit (Linda), grandchildren Alex Ball, Michael Waldo, Ryan Ball, and Elizabeth Chaisson, and three great-grandchildren.
Due to Covid restrictions, there will be a brief family-only inurnment, with a memorial service to be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the charity of your choice, or to the Conway First United Methodist Church Food Pantry or Music Department.
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8 Condolence(s)
Kristin McClintock
Monday, December 21, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Grandma Ball. I am the daughter of Chrisanne and Jeff Waldo, and sister to Michael and Elizabeth.
I remember very fondly how loving and welcoming both Blanche and Derwin were to our family when Jeff married my mother. They came to watch us all while our parents went on a honeymoon.
Blanche had the most wonderful cooking and her rhubarb was out of this world. I remember thinking that the mess we had were so delicious.
I also am very grateful to recall that they bought us Christmas presents. As an adult I can now reflect on how they came to be a part of our family, and us a part of theirs. It could have been very easy to not connect with my mom or my sister and I. However, their loving hearts welcomed us with open arms and I will forever remember that about Blanche and Derwin.
Elizabeth Chaisson
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Grandma brought so much joy to my life! Everything from picking peaches together to the fun days at Horseshoe bend. I remember coming to visit and she always had mini muffins and hot cocoa we enjoyed on their front porch. There are so many wonderful memories together, she is missed deeply. And know that Mom and Grandma are looking down on us.
Helen Foreman
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
I am so sad that my Sister-in-law is gone. I will remember
Blanche and Derwin coming to see us on there trips to Texas
and how much we enjoyed them. Love to All.
Milton Davis May
Monday, December 14, 2020
Blanche was one of my favorite cousins for all of my life. We lived next door until they moved to Conway. We kept in touch for most of our lives. She will be greatly missed.
Jeffrey Waldo
Monday, December 14, 2020
I was married to Blanche's daughter, Marsha, before she passed on in 1996. I have many wonderful memories of Blanche, Derwin and the rest of the Ball and Foreman family. Blanche was a bit feisty and mischievous, but always kind, loving and thoughtful. We were fortunate enough to see Blanche and meet for lunch a few years ago on our way down to Florida, and it reminded how lucky I was to have known her. Rest in peace, Blanche.
Chrisanne Waldo
Monday, December 14, 2020
Brilliant, devoted and kind certainly describe what I knew of Blanche, grandmother to my stepchildren. (I am the second wife of her late daughter Marsha’s husband, Jeff.) We didn’t see one another often but communicated at times via snail mail and email. Blanche always welcomed me with open arms and an open heart. Thank you, Blanche.
Kori Burland
Monday, December 14, 2020
Blanche was the mother-in-law to my step-father, Jeff Waldo. I have not seen Blanche in many years but remember her and Derain fondly. They were both always so welcoming to us and as children we always got gifts from the for holidays. We all would laugh when Blanche would give us an adopted lamb for Christmas with one of the kids remarking “thanks blaaaaaaancheâ€
She was a kind woman who had endured much loss and as an adult I can appreciate how amazing that is.
Becky Jackson
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Aunt Blanche had such a pretty smile. Brit, I'm sorry she is gone. I hope your grief is soon replaced by good memories and respect for all she did in life. Hugs.