George Edward Ball

On Friday, October 9, 2015 George Edward Ball, at the age of 84, was received into the loving embrace of his Savior Jesus Christ, to begin his eternal life in heaven. George was a lifelong resident of New Orleans and Metairie.

He and his wife Mary Ann Rolfes Ball were owners of Ball’s Hardware in “Bucktown”. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo Edward and Viola Wilbert Ball and his beloved wife of 39 years, Mary Ann Rolfes Ball. George was a proud and loving father and is survived by his four children; Diane Lavelle (Reggie), David Ball (Carla), Kevin Ball, and Darren Ball (Jeanette), his eleven grandchildren, one great grandson, two great grand daughters and a foster great grand daughter. George is also survived by his wife of 11 years Mary Ann Smith Kovacs Ball and her children whom he loved dearly; Mary Joan Castanza (Chris), Kathy Rappold (Michael), Chuck Kovacs (Frieda), Connie Dietrich (Greg) and Kevin Kovacs (deceased), her twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by his lifelong business partner, cousin, and “brother of another Mother” Paul Lassalle.

George led an active and fulfilling life, was respected in his community and had a strong faith in God. He was a longtime parishioner of Saint Louis King of France and more recently became a parishioner of St. Angela Merici and Celebration Church. After graduating from Holy Cross High School, he played semi-pro baseball for the 1952-53 Thibodaux Giants. He opened Ball’s Hardware in 1956, and built it into a strong, customer-focused, family run business. He and the hardware store became a key element of the local community. He also found time to give back to his church and community, serving as a longtime little league baseball coach for many youth teams. After his retirement from Ball’s Hardware, he loved gardening, dancing and attending events with his beloved wife MaryAnn at the Jefferson Orleans. He also was a loyal Saints fan and participated in all the festivities of Mardi Gras.

George passed away in his Metairie home, after a nearly 2 year battle with leukemia. He was surrounded at his bedside by a host of loved ones and many prayers. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the services at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124. The viewing starts at 11:00 am with the service commencing at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 14th. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery #1. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the charity of your choice. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.