1933-2026
Ruth E. Ball, 92, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Mulberry Healthcare.
She was born in Brookville on December 24, 1933, a daughter of the late Clyde Vasbinder and Freda (McGee) Vasbinder. She was lovingly raised by her mother and stepfather, Irvin T. “Toad” Stormer.
Ruth was a 1952 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School.
On July 1, 1950, she married Howard Eugene “Ballsy” Ball. Their love was a true testimony to what marriage should be like. They celebrated seventy-five years of devotion and remained by one another through sickness and in health right up to the end.
Mrs. Ball worked for over twenty years at the Book Nook. It never really felt like work because she loved to read and enjoyed being around the customers and co-workers.
She was considered the “West End Doctor Doolittle” because of her love for any type of animal that came her way. She nursed many creatures back to health and provided a loving home for them. The neighbor kids also always sought her kindness and caring touch when they were scraped up or hurt.
Family was the center of her world, and she found her greatest joy in the time spent with those she loved. Her home was always a welcoming place filled with warmth, laughter and unconditional love.
She is survived by four children, Donna (Robert) Wolfe, Thomas (Denise) Ball, Barbara (Dick) Matthews and Doug Ball, all of Punxsutawney; nine grandchildren, Bryan (Janey) Wolfe, Michelle London, Shawn Ball and fiancé Michele, Daniel Ball, Rick Matthews and fiancé Danielle, Autumn (Jason) Kunselman, Eric (Lisa) Ishman, Holly Archer, Lauren Ball and fiancé Austin; eleven great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Kay (John) Slimak of Brookville.
Preceded in death by her parents, her husband Howard, her twin brother, an infant brother and granddaughter, Lisa Ball.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation. Arrangements entrusted to Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.
Memorial donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to Lisa’s Ladybugs, PO Box 692, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
