Catherine Ball

Catherine Honoree Ball passed away on December 1, 2016 in Colorado Springs, CO. Catherine was born in Oakland, CA to Alfred and Winifred Bareilles on February 5, 1939. She grew up in Alameda, CA and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic High School before attending University of California, Berkley. She transferred to Holy Names College where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1960. She received a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Catherine met Marshall Craig Ball in February 1958 and they both fell madly in love. They married on April 9, 1961 and lived in Sunnyvale, CA before moving to Colorado Springs, CO in 1964. They built their home on Flintridge Drive and moved in on Charlie’s first birthday, March 14, 1965. John was born in 1965 and Julie came along in 1969. Marshall and Catherine loved each other and their children. Marshall passed away from Hodgkin’s Disease on January 12, 1976. Catherine never lost her love for Marshall. She remained dedicated to him and never remarried. It is not a coincidence that Catherine died on December 1 (12/1) to go be with the love of her life who died on January 12 (1/12).

Catherine spent her life dedicated to her work as an elementary school teacher. She taught at many schools in Colorado Springs, including Franklin Elementary School, Monroe Elementary School, Twain Elementary School and Audubon Elementary School. She retired from Chipeta Elementary School in 1999. She was an amazing teacher and touched the lives of many children and families. Catherine was very active with volunteering, including being President of the American Cancer Society after Marshall’s untimely death, serving on the Holy Trinity Parish Council, where all three of her children attended elementary and middle school, and finally acting as President of the Patient’s Council at Brookdale Bear Creek where she advocated for all the residents of the skilled nursing facility. She was an avid bridge player and played in many bridge groups throughout the years.

Catherine is survived by her children, Charles Alfred (Michelle) of Santa Monica, CA, John Marshall (Janet) of Pottsville, PA, Catherine Julie (Jim McKenzie) of Englewood, CO, sister, Mary Ann Quittman of Alameda, CA, and five grandchildren Madeleine Rose McKenzie, Catherine Grace McKenzie, Alexandrea Elizabeth Ball, Breanna Nicole Ball and Austin Ryan Ball. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Winifred Bareilles and her husband, Marshall Craig Ball.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Brookdale Bear Creek and Brookdale Hospice for the love and care they gave to Catherine. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.