She was born May 8, 1946 in Pekin to Elbert Irwin and Lois Anne (Dickerson) Ball.
Surviving are her mother, Lois “Polly” Ball of Morton; one son, Henry “Buddy” (Melissa) Strube of Mahomet; three grandchildren, Jessica Strube, Nicole Strube, both of Peoria and Aleksander Strube of Mahomet; one great-granddaughter, Blake; one sister, Barbara “Bobbi” (Bill) Baum of Bandera, TX; two nephews, Chuck (Farrah) Bahnfleth of Augusta, GA and Billy Bahnfleth of Bandera, TX and one niece, Angi (Mark) Lensmeyer of East Peoria.
She was preceded in death by her father and one niece, Teri Sue Bahnfleth.
She was a dedicated caregiver for her mother and others. She also worked at Peoria Speedway for their Saturday night races for many years. She enjoyed watching motorcycle dirt track races and also stock car races.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Her graveside funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with Rev. Kurt Mews officiating. The family invites friends to wear casual dress.
Bootie loved AMA PRO RACING with all her heart, and gave a lot to the sport! She opened her home to many racers, and their families when they were away from home. She was a fan and supporter her whole life, and her kindness continues.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to AMA PRO ROOKIES CLASS OF 79. Online donations can be made at bit.ly/BootiesGiftToInjuredRiders
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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