Darlene P. Ball's Obituary
Darlene Ball-people person! She was born and raised in Wenatchee, Washington to Robert and Mary Lee Wentz. Having Tom, Jim, Gordon and Susan as siblings she grew up in a busy house. This was a theme she would continue with over the years. She was a very intelligent and driven person, getting her Masters Degree in history, an accomplishment she was very proud of. She helped write a book on how to type and was a wiz with both style and numbers. For many years her profession was that of a realtor, accountant or interior decorator. But what she truly loved was the world of tennis.
The day after her birthday she married Vernon Ball and spent the rest of her life with him. For over 60 years they traveled the world together and played a ton of tennis. She as the manager of the various tennis clubs, he as the pro. She was famous for her events and festivities often arranging gatherings for nearly 100 people or even more. She hosted "orphan" Christmas parties annually, New Years Eve gatherings, and smaller "Port and chocolate" evenings. On the Fourth of July she would narrate fun tales of Revolutionary heroics at community gatherings. Her most favorite night of the week was mixed doubles night, an event she cherished more than any. She loved to have people around her.
Darlene left two sons - Michael and Mark. As a mother she worked very hard to teach them the tools they would need to succeed in life, and took great care to give them livelong friendship. As a family they spent many hours together. Activities included crafting when they were sick, gaming when they were bored, the love of reading, watching Jeopardy! and the Mariners. And of course traveling as a family, playing tennis together.
Darlene will be missed by many, and her departure has surely impacted those who knew her best.
Her memorial will be hosted at Lakewood Racquet Club Sunday August 12, 2018. The event is potluck, and begins at 2pm.
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