Karen Ann Ball

Karen Ann Ball (Ficocelli) was born November 12, 1943 in Pensacola, Florida to Robert Armond Ficocelli and Catherine Cotita Ficocelli. She was raised with her two younger sisters, Sandi and Glynda. After graduation, she briefly attended college and met Carl Wolfe at an Air Force mixer in Orlando, Florida. After their courtship and marriage, and with Carl based for a time in The Netherlands, they travelled around Europe, and brought their first child, David into the world in 1968. After a transfer to California in 1969, their second child, Dawn was born near Sacramento.

The family made several moves over the next 10 years including Air Force assignments in Nebraska and Alaska. In 1977, Carl suffered two heart attacks and was medically retired from the service. The family settled in Boise, Idaho in 1978 and established friends, a church family and new life after the Service. Karen opened a daycare at the home; giving her love and care to many children and their families. She was primary in raising her children and enjoyed crochet, ceramics and sewing. In 1986, Carl suffered a third heart attack and passed, leaving Karen widowed in her early 40’s. After two difficult years of grieving, Karen met Harold Ball in 1988 and fell in love.

Karen moved with Harold to the Salt Lake City area in 1989 and was quickly adopted by Harold’s loving family. For the next 32 years, Karen created warm, loving and lasting relationships with friends and family members. Her kindness, dedication and infectious smile charmed all that came across her path. For nearly a decade, she became heavily involved in Curves Fitness, both as a client and as a volunteer and found much joy and a sense of purpose. Karen did not spend any idle time and when she was not caring for many of the grandchildren, baking or decorating she was reigniting her travel flame, making trips to Egypt, South Africa, Tanzania, several trips to Paris and around the United States.

Karen began to develop health issues in the latter part of her life, but despite this, she continued to give all her effort to love and care for those around her. Holidays were her favorite times, and you would always find her home FULLY decorated whatever the holiday. Christmas was a time she would showcase her baking skills with wonderful breads, cookies and brittles; which she would share with all of the family. Karen was diligent in making sure everyone was included and felt.

In the last few years of her life, with Karen’s condition worsening and her ability to communicate becoming increasingly impaired her devoted husband, Harold, took on the role of caregiver. This role he performed magnificently until his illness and passing in March 2020. That loss and COVID would challenge Karen over the next year and a half as after her move into Wentworth Assisted Living, she found herself alone and isolated for nearly 6 months. Yet, she persisted in the best way she knew how, communicating virtually with her adult children and local family until visits restarted. Much care, love and support came from Harold’s marvelous adult children (Shauna, Tom, Duane, Vicki, John and so many others) and grandchildren during this time and continued until the end of her life.

From the end of 2020 and through 2021, Karen was able to visit her adult children and grandchildren in the Seattle area for Christmas, attend events and family gatherings in Salt Lake City, and enjoyed having her hair styled, art and music. She made friends at the facility with both staff and residents; and they remember her fondly.

Karen was surrounded by loving, supportive family in her last days and her soul moved on October 29th with her children near her. The light of her love shines on in the many family and friends she touched.

A very special thank you to the staff of Wentworth, especially Parker and Mason, who loved, cared and advocated for my mom’s great care.

A Celebration of Life for Harold and Karen will take place on Saturday November 27th, 2pm at The Wasatch Lawn Chapel 3401 S Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84106