Margaret Ball wife of the late James Ball of Preeceville Long Term Care, formerly of Sturgis and the Stenen district passed away on February 16, 2017 at the age of 97 years. 

     Margaret was born to John and Georgina (nee Miller) Walker at Miller’s Hill in Prince Albert on Aug 19, 1919.  Her father passed away from the Spanish Flu when she was 19 months old.  Her mother then married Bert Freeborn when Margaret was 12 years old.

      Margaret completed her formal education in Prince Albert and furthered her education at Normal School in Saskatoon.  This is when Ida Bole, nee Hamilton, introduced Margaret to her uncle, Jim Ball.  After teaching for 8 years in the Prince Albert vicinity, Margaret married Jim on July 8, 1946.  They farmed north of Stenen.  Along with the mixed farm they also managed the Ormside Post Office until it closed.

      As education was important to Margaret, she was proud that all four sons graduated from the University of Saskatchewan.

      There were many fond memories of family and friends gathering for sliding parties, fishing trips, playing cards and games around the kitchen table.  Margaret looked forward to host Christmas festivities, 4-H activities, and other family activities.

      She never forgot family roots or friends.  Margaret especially loved visits from her grandchildren to hear about their activities and accomplishments.

      Margaret, along with Jim were busy with farm work and raising four sons.  She took pride in her large garden both on the farm and later, in town.  They moved into a new home in Sturgis on March 12, 1987.  She enjoyed living in town as she could walk to wherever she wanted to go. 

      She was a faithful member on many organizations such as the Order of the Eastern Star, United Church, United Church Women, Horticulture Society, READ club, seniors bowling, and anyone who needed a helping hand.                

      People who knew Margaret loved her positive attitude, wonderful sense of humor, and appreciation of the simple things in life.  She made the best of any circumstance. 

      Margaret was predeceased by her husband Jim in 1997, her 3 year old half sister Mary, and daughter-in-law, Bernice (Allan) Pozium in 2000.

      She leaves to celebrate her life her sons, John and children Christie, Spencer, Sterling, Penny (Betty and Vincent) and Remington; Allan (Dianne) and Allan and Bernice's children Gary (Nicole and children Tristan, Dominic and Gabrielle) and Leslie; Gordon (Sharon) and children Ryan (Sarah), Robyn (Ryan Effa and children Kenten, Owen and Claire); Lorne (Sherry) and children Sarah and James (and his daughter, April). 

      Funeral Services were held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from Grace United Church in Sturgis with Rev. Miles Russell officiating. Words of remembrance were given by Garry Ball and Robyn Effa. Pianist, Maureen Lisoway with members of the Grace United church choir led the congregation in the singing of the hymns ‘What A Friend We have In Jesus’, ‘Will Your Anchor Hold’ and ‘Here I Am Lord’. The choir anthem was ‘When We Are Living’. Granddaughter, Robyn Effa sang a solo ‘In The Garden’. Interment followed in the Sturgis Community Cemetery with all of Margaret’s grandchildren Robyn Effa, Ryan Ball, Christie Ball, Spencer Ball, Sterling Ball, Penny Ball, Remington Ball, Gary Ball, Leslie Ball, Sarah Ball and James Ball serving as casketbearers.

     Condolences can be sent to the family at www.preecevillefuneralhome.com  Memorials in memory of Margaret may be made to the Preeceville Long Term Care Auxiliary, The Sturgis Care Home or toward the Grace United Church Memorial Fund as gifts of remembrance.

     Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.

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