Wayne Ball

Wayne Ervin Ball, 91, was surrounded by his family when he left this earth bound for heaven on March 17, 2017. He was the fifth of eight children born July 28, 1925 to Etta (Wendt) and Elmer Ball at the family homestead in Briggsdale, Colorado. Following graduation from Briggsdale High School in 1943 and a brief deferment to bring in harvest, Wayne entered the US Army. During the Central Europe Campaign of WW II, he served with the 589th Field Artillery Battalion of the 106th Infantry Division earning the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, Army of Occupation Medal Germany, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in August 1946, returning to the family ranch to work alongside his parents. In 1947 he met Juanita Joy Witt, whom he married in 1950. Utilizing the GI Bill, he studied Agriculture at Colorado A&M (now CSU), graduating in 1954. Later that year, he began a distinguished 30 year teaching career in SE Weld County at Prospect Valley High School and when the district consolidated, Weld Central High School. He directed their vocational agriculture programs, was advisor for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, and taught auto mechanics and welding. As FFA advisor, Wayne’s Agricultural judging teams were highly acclaimed, winning district, state and national honors. His Parliamentary Procedure teams earned the distinction of retiring the traveling trophy after winning 3 state championships. Thirty two students won the prestigious State Farmer Award. Six students won the coveted State Great Western Sugar Beet Award. Several elite students ascended to the prestigious honor to serve as state FFA officers. During his teaching years, Wayne drove a school bus for students of all ages. As adults, former passengers greeted him with smiles and hugs over the years, reminding him that they rode his bus. During weeknights, Wayne taught adult education classes and sold life insurance. Wayne received an honorary State Farmer award and was named Colorado Vocational Agriculture Teacher of the Year in 1982. Juanita and Wayne moved to Greeley in 1982 and Wayne retired from teaching in 1984. He took an earnest and sincere interest in his students and their lifelong success, earning the affectionate nick name “Chief.” After he retired from teaching, former students brightened many of his days when they saw him in the community and called out “Chief!” Following retirement, Wayne worked for the CSU Agronomy Department, then as a crop adjuster, processing claims in Colorado and the Mid-West. He was also a frequent judge at the Colorado State Fair and local fairs. During his years in Prospect Valley, he was an active member of the Prospect Community Church. At the time of his death, Wayne was an active member of St. Paul’s Congregational Church. Wayne was deeply connected to his family’s homestead and keenly aware and appreciative of his humble beginnings. The homestead, a Colorado Centennial Farm, served as a timeless source of strength and inspiration. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind man who kept his word and was generous with his time, talents and possessions. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Juanita; sons, Wayne (Beth), Randall (Phoenix, AZ), Steven; sisters, Erma Rich (Ventura, CA), Merietta (Andrew) West (Briggsdale, CO); sister-in-law, Verda Ball (Briggsdale, CO); grandchildren, David Wayne (Erin) Ball (Sterling, CO), Janey (Brian) White (San Diego, CA), Alyssa Ball (Ft Collins, CO); great grandchildren, Ellery Cross, Andi Ball, Cache Wayne Ball and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Etta; sisters, Harriet (Harold) Hilzer, Elaine (Wayne) Larson; brothers, Ralph (Rose), Wilbur (Martha), Roland; brother-in-law, Al Rich and infant grandson, Ryan Wayne Ball. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Wayne’s name to "American’s Parkinson Disease Association" or " Alzheime'rs Disease Research" in care of Adamson Funeral Services, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634.