5/10/2016

Since I last wrote a lot has happened. My Mom passed away with complications caused by Alzheimer's. July 22, 1929 - April 26, 2016............Its been hard, especially on my sister Christine. She was her main care giver for many years. So I won't write about the last few weeks with her. All I know is that it sure is empty in the house without her there. There are a few pictures of her, nice ones, but mostly they are pictures that I snapped when outside in the orchard with Bella.

Here is the obit that I wrote:

Mariane Ball died peacefully in her home, April 26, 2016. She was born to Albert and Mabel Christiansen in Enumclaw, July 22, 1929. She married Elliott Ball on Nov 16, 1956. He preceded her in death. Survivors include; daughters Patty Ball Abad (Dan), Christine Ball Gill, Karen Ball Thorsen (Chris). Sons Jim Ball (Sharon) and John Ball (Cindy). 14 grandchildren: Michael, Jason, David, Lucho, Andrea, Gina, Melinda, Annie, Tonya, Deanna, Bob, Jennifer, Jeffery, and Raymond. 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law Lucille and numerous nieces, nephews, lots of extended family and friends, one very spoiled dog, Max and her equally spoiled cat, Tucker. In her early years she worked at the National Bank of Commerce in downtown Bremerton, then became a homemaker for many years. Later in life she decided to work outside the home again. She was the receptionist for many years at the YMCA. She loved that job. Mariane enjoyed her grandchildren, mushroom picking, going to Laughlin to play the slot machines, going to different casinos closer to home, reading, loved her dog Max, loved Christmas lights, and liked watching scary movies. She would sing the poem "Trees" in an opera voice and always made us crack up. She was so dramatic about it. A family and friend gathering will be held May 14th at her home, from 1 to 4. 1313 Ivy Road Bremerton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for Alzheimer's may be made at www.alz.org. Choose Tribute/memorial donation

Tucker and Bella hanging out together

My sister Christine bought me this dish towel. Do you think that I'm gonna use it as a towel? Nope. Seeing as we don't really have lots of wall space in our 5th wheel, its hanging in the bathroom.

Bella is chillin'

Mom in a silly moment

This is the Bella/Tucker comedy hour. They like to play and chase each other just before Bella goes home for the night. They are fun to watch.

Mom and Max. He sure does miss her.

A pretty rhododendron in Mom's yard

Me and Christine in our matching shirts

My niece Melinda hanging out with her grandma. I love how mom is looking at her.

My son.Jason hanging out with his grandma. She was watching me take the picture

Dan with my Aunt Lucille

Son Jason and me. Christine and I took some time to go out to the Clearwater Casino to see Jason and his gal Jenny. It was her birthday and we really needed to get away for awhile.