Born in Seneca, Missouri in 1938, and raised on a picturesque farm in Neosho, Missouri, Judy graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and later completed graduate work in Gerontology at both the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri–Kansas City. In June 1960, she married Bill L. Ball, the love of her life, beginning a 40-year partnership rooted in faith, community, and a shared commitment to helping others.
Judy began her teaching career at Shawnee Mission North High School before she and Bill moved to Adrian in 1973. From that day forward, Judy devoted herself to improving her community and enriching the lives of those around her.
At the Adrian United Methodist Church, Judy’s music ministry was a cornerstone of worship. She served as pianist for more than two decades, directed choirs, led children’s sermons, and chaired the Administrative Council. Her faith, joy, and compassion were evident in every note she played and every task she undertook.
Her dedication to community service was equally inspiring. Judy served nine years on the Adrian R-3 School Board, including serving as president—the first woman to hold that office—and co-founded the Adrian Booster Club. She helped create a volunteer taxi service to assist residents with transportation and later organized the Adrian Senior Center, which continues to provide daily meals and fellowship for older adults, thanks to her vision and leadership.
In 1980, Judy became Property Manager for Houston Plaza Senior Housing, a position that allowed her to combine her administrative skills with her passion for senior advocacy. She often said her heart belonged to the “young at heart,” and through her work and volunteerism, she ensured that countless seniors could live independently with dignity.
Judy’s influence reached far beyond Adrian through her involvement in the United Methodist Women (UMW), now United Women in Faith (UWF). She served as President and in nearly every other leadership role at the local, district, and conference levels, and ultimately as President of the South Central Jurisdiction and Director of the Women’s Division—representing an eight-state area. She was known throughout the organization for her “mile-wide smile,” her magnetic personality, and her unwavering faith in God’s call to serve.
Her other community involvements included serving on the Bates County Health Center Advisory Board, the Bates County Memorial Hospital Home Health Advisory Team, and volunteering for Hospice. Judy was also a Life Member of Sigma Sigma Sigma and founding member of Adrian's chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, and was honored to serve as Grand Marshal for the Adrian Optimist 4th of July community celebration after her husband Bill passed. Bill was a founding member of the Adrian Optimist Club.
She was honored by her church and peers with “Judy Ball Sunday” and the formation of the Judith Circle, a group of young women who named their circle in her honor—a testament to her impact as a mentor and role model.
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Ball. She is survived by her son Gregg Ball and his wife Lisa of Phoenix Arizona; daughter Melinda Ball Sherwood and her husband Kevin of Glendale, Arizona; and grandchildren Mikayla, Billy, Jacob, Mia and Noah and great grandson Cayden.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 1pm on November 28, 2025 at Adrian Optimist Club building. Friends and family are invited to share memories of Judy’s life of faith, laughter, and service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Adrian United Methodist Church Rebuilding Fund or United Methodist Women’s Mission Fund, causes that reflect Judy’s lifelong belief that “service is the rent we pay for the space we take.”
