Obituary of Norma Eloise Ball

Norma Ball of Whitewater, WI, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 7, 2013 at Fairhaven Retirement Community. Norma Johnson was born on the Iron Range in Buhl, Minnesota on December 11, 1911 to Nels and Ella Johnson. After she graduated from Buhl High School, Norma went to Jr. College in Hibbing, Minnesota, then transferring to Whitewater State Teacher's College (now UW-Whitewater), where she graduated in 1933 with a degree in Business Education and met her future husband. She taught business subjects in Minnesota until her marriage to George Phelps in 1937. They had three children-Barbara, Carol, and Alan. After George's death in 1960, Norma went back to school at Whitewater and got her Bachelors' and Master's degrees in Elementary Education. She taught 5th grade at Lincoln Elementary School in Whitewater for many years, retiring in 1977. Norma married Ralph Ball, whom she knew in college in 1979. They enjoyed many trips and activities together before his death. Norma was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed golfing and bowling. She loved watching sports, especially the Brewers, Badgers, and Packers. She was a member of the Congregational Church in Whitewater, several women's clubs, and Eastern Star. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, her husbands, George Phelps and Ralph Ball, her daughter Barbara Ableman, and grandson Jacob Phelps. Norma is survived by her daughter Carol (Craig) Cobb, son Alan (Shoshane) Phelps, son-in-law Herb Ableman, 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at a later date. The Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, Wisconsin is assisting the family.