BALL - Marsha Ann (Cimoch) Ball, aged 68 of Conklin, passed away on Wednesday July 27, 2016 after a 13 year struggle with cancer. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Rita and Joseph Cimoch, she was a long time resident of the "North-East end" and graduated from Mount Mercy High School in June of 1965 before going on to complete some further studies at Aquinas College. Immensely dedicated to both family and church, she entered the Dominican Convent of Marywood in Grand Rapids to explore a vocation to the religious life. She left before taking vows in order to travel with, and finally be the caregiver for her mother in the final days of her battle with cancer. After this she entered the cloistered convent of the Sacramentine Sisters in Conway, Michigan. Ultimately it was determined that her calling was not to the cloistered religious life. She married her husband of 39 years, John Bernard Ball, on November 5th, 1976 at Blessed Sacrament Church and moved with him to Conklin. There, they started their lives on a farm after an adventure-filled honeymoon--a road trip to the then new Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She was by his side and a constant support through his 42 years of employment in the Grand Rapids Fire Department. For several years, in addition to to being a homemaker for a farm household, she also home-schooled her two children. Regular adventures together included Shipshewana, Indiana and (in later years) occasional trips to Melbourne, Florida or visits to their children wherever their travels and studies led them. Summers included regular visits to their beloved "Hermitage" in the Northern Lower Peninsula on Lake Skegemog accompanied by their dog Molly who was always at their side and ever-ready for a motor scooter ride or surprise road trip to their next adventure. A woman of extraordinary focus, determination and courage, she was a deeply engaging soul who touched everyone she came into contact with--even to her final days. She had a unique mix of generosity, humor and kindness. Her Catholic faith was absolutely central to her life. Among many other things, her loves were her flower garden, cooking, visits with friends and traveling both at home and abroad, including a recent trip to Italy. She is preceded in death by her best friend and husband John, by her parents, and by her brother David Cimoch. Surviving are her two children; her daughter Mary Jo and son Steven; Aunt Dorothy and James Tibbe; many cousins; her sister-in-law Sharon Ball and several long-time friends including Barb Domanski, Ann Korson, Kris and Mary Palaszek, and Diane Sypniewski. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 520 Myrtle St. N.W. Grand Rapids, Michigan with Rev. Father Dennis Morrow officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery. Donations may be made in Marsha's memory to the Carmelite Monastery 4300 Mt. Carmel Dr. N.E. Ada, Michigan 49301. www.carmelitenuns.org