Marie Elena (Knight) Ball

Marie Elena Knight was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 27, 1942, to Frank Aaron Knight and Irene Katherine Knight (Weidenbach). Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Robert Ball. She is survived by her children, Jack Ball (Barbara), Mary O’Brien, Kay Kasl (Brent) and Robert (Bobby) Ball, her brothers, Aaron M. Knight (Millie), Dottie Price (Kirk) and Kenneth Klein (Betty), 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Marie is also survived by many friends as close to her heart as any family member and with whom she shared her life, many adventures and good times.

Marie spent most of her childhood years growing up on her grandparents’ farm. She enjoyed the “Little House on the Prairie” television show as her 1st 8 grades of schooling took place in a 1 room school house. After graduating from Washburn High in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Marie went to work for Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company and worked there for 32 years managing a large property and casualty processing unit.

After she retired, she was even busier becoming a very active member of the Levine Senior Center, Matthews, North Carolina, working as a Queen City tour guide on golf carts with her Lee McKenzie (her BFF - they were known as Thelma and Louise), and the Happy Times Club. She was a vibrant member of a cheerleading group which preformed, on occasion, at NBA Charlotte Hornets basketball games. Marie always said retirement was the best thing she ever did and also enjoyed gardening, baking, traveling and her cherished pets who gave her constant joy.

Marie’s motto was “Live life a little on the edge, enjoy everyone who touches your life and never say no to having fun even if you are afraid”.

Marie was a friend and selfless servant to all she met. She leaves this world much better than when she found it through her many acts of care and compassion which she extended to everyone she met.

Memorials can be made to the Animal Haven or the Levine Senior Center.