Darlene Joann Ball

Darlene JoAnn Ball (nee Gerdt), 86, passed away on June 27, 2023. She was born to Elmer and Mildred Gerdt on September 12, 1937.

Darlene attended Broad Ripple High School and then Indiana University, where she studied to be a nurse. Her anatomy class had other plans for her as she met and married Raymond Ball. Raymond Ball, at high school in Elkhart, Indiana, broke track & field records as well as numerous basketball records. He was named Star of Stars and played Big Ten Basketball at Indiana University and is a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Darlene and Ray were college sweethearts and married in September 1956. Raymond coached high school in the Bloomington and Bedford areas where Darlene was a stay-at-home mother to their first daughter, Kimberly Lynn, in 1957, and five years later in Bedford, to their second daughter, Richelle “Shelley” Elaine Ball, in 1962.

Darlene was a stay-at-home mother until she went to work for several doctors, including Dr. Burdette, Dr. Russell, Dr. Gordon, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Bert, and most recently Dr. Terry Horner for 25 years. She helped set up the St. Vincent office, and then followed Dr. Horner to Methodist Hospital, where Dr. Horner’s specialty was in brain aneurysms.

After Darlene and Ray retired, they enjoyed time with their family, especially taking mini vacations with Kimberly (Steve) Moore and Shelley (Sean) O’Hara; Darlene’s sister, Sunnya; and her grandchildren, Alana, Stephanie, and Michael.

Darlene is survived by her sister, Sunnya; her children, Kim and Shelley; grandchildren, Alana, Stephanie, and Michael; and 10 great-grandchildren, who all adored her. She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her granddaughter, Katelyn Rhea Moore.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 5, from 4 pm to 6 pm, at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Avenue. A Funeral Service will be on Thursday, July 6, at 10 am, at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington Street. Darlene’s final resting place will be with her husband, Ray, at Washington Park East Cemetery.

All are welcome to send flowers, or make a memorial contribution in Darlene’s name to  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital