Mary Jo Ball

Mary Jo Rutland Ball, a resident of Wichita Falls for 78 years passed away peacefully at Presbyterian Manor in Wichita Falls TX on October 14, 2024. Mary Jo was born on June 20,1929 in Covington County Mississippi to Ledrew and Bernice Rutland. She spent her early life in Mt. Olive, MS when her parents moved from the family farm. A part of the “Greatest Generation” she married Coy Ball in 1946 after he served in World War II and moved to Wichita Falls, TX where she spent the rest of her earthly life.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her Husband of 50 years Coy Thomas Ball, a son Joe Thomas Ball, her parents William Ledrew and Bernice Rutland, brother Delton Rutland, and brother Billy Ray Rutland.

She is survived by her sister Ruby Nell Smith of Madison, MS, daughter Sherri Strasner and husband David of Sherman, TX, son Mark Ball and wife Lori of Granbury, TX, grandchildren Lori Walker and husband Sam, Jeff Strasner and wife Tiffany, Shelby Ball, Cody Ball and wife Cassy, and Toby Ball. She is also survived by 9 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Mary Jo was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls. She was a strong woman of faith who loved helping and taking care of others. She loved following the activities of her children and especially attending and supporting her grandchildren in their sports and other activities. Her role as a loving, caring, and supportive grandmother was of vital importance to her. She loved sewing, shopping for antiques and following the Texas Rangers and her favorite player Josh Jung. Later in life she loved traveling with her group of seniors at church and was active in the senior homebound program.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Presbyterian Manor, Perkins-Prothro Health Care, and Healing Hands Hospice.

A funeral service for Mary will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302.