- Date Of Birth: January 24, 1925
- Date Of Death: March 23, 2021
- State: Illinois
Patricia Ball, 96, passed away peacefully at Baywood Court Retirement Community, Castro Valley, CA on March 23, 2021.
Pat was born on Jan. 24, 1925, in Griggsville, Illinois to Thomas and Hazel (Sleight) Ball, where she grew up with her two sisters, Martha June and Beverly Ann. Pat was 4th generation member of the farming and small business interests. She was also a 3rd generation public school teacher whose family put a high value on education and public service.
Pat loved her adventurous childhood which enabled her to explore the entire community on her bicycle. Whether enjoying her tree house with one of her best friends or hours down at the local Wabash railroad station with Boone Stead, the station master, watching the huge steam locomotives pass through. It was a wonderful, memorable time.
Pat’s elementary school years were highlighted by her experiences as a Girl Scout from 5th to 9th grades. Summer Scout camps increased her interests in birding and environmental aspects of her world. These would continue throughout her life.
Pat graduated from Griggsville High School in 1943 and enrolled in Western Illinois State Teachers College pursuing her interest in US History. After graduation in 1947 with a BA and began her teaching career at a small Illinois town.
In 1950, Pat moved to California to continue her teaching career. First in Oroville, and then in 1958 she moved to Castro Valley. She taught in Castro Valley, and then at Pacific High in San Leandro she taught US History. Pat also earned two Masters Degrees from Stanford in elementary education and California State University Hayward in US History.
After 33 years in teaching, Pat retired in 1982. She traveled several programs through Elderhostel with her decades-long friend, Marilyn Sundberg. They also attended the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon for many years.
She was a 50 year+ member of the Eden United Church of Christ, American Association of University Women (life member), American Civil Liberties Union, League of Women Voters, and several environmental groups including the Nature Conservancy, Save The Redwoods League and others.
