Rita Lucille Roddy Ball Black
March 12, 1929 ~ February 9, 2022
Born in:
Spartanburg, SC
Resided in:
Fairview, NC
Rita Lucille Roddy Ball Black, 92, of Fairview, passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2022.
A native of Spartanburg, SC, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Pauline Henderson Roddy. Rita was also preceded in death by two husbands, Lee Roy Ball and Norman Black; one sister, Margaret Roddy Hunnicutt and four brothers, Bill Roddy, JW Roddy, Donald Roddy and Cecil Roddy.
Rita’s last public job was an inspector at Anchor Brush in Morristown, TN. She was forced to quit school at age 15 due to family hardship and helped to raise her brothers and sister, as well as serving as a caregiver for their mother. Rita loved the Lord, her family and listening to gospel and country music. She also enjoyed gardening, flowers, crafts and travel.
Rita lived in Fairview for about 20 years, then in Flagstaff, AZ for 10 years, Morristown, TN for 54 years and then back to Fairview for the final 8 or so years of her life. When Rita returned to Fairview, everyone there remembered her as Mrs. Rita Ball.
She was the life of any gathering. She enjoyed her time at Fleshers Nursing Home, being surrounded by family, staff and other residents there. When Fleshers brought “Elvis” in to visit the residents, she would get up and dance with him. Precious are the many stories that the staff and residents have shared with Rita’s family.
She is survived by her children, Gary Ball (his wife Pansy), Gail Ball Austin (her husband Charles), Harold Ball (his wife Sherry) and Tim Ball (his wife Terrie); grandsons, Nathan Ball and Edwin Renfro; granddaughter Lynette Williams Bell (her husband Brent) and several great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Rita’s life will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, February 14 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden with Pastor Mike Anderson officiating. Burial will follow the service at Cane Creek Cemetery with Nathan Ball, Brent Bell, Joey Hunnicutt, Van Draper, Bill Moody and Wayne McElrath serving as pallbearers. Rita’s family will greet friends at the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 AM until the service begins at 12:00 PM.
Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to Fleshers Nursing Care Staff Fund, 3016 Cane Creek Road, Fairview, NC 28730.
Services
Funeral Service: February 14, 2022 12:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Visitation: February 14, 2022 11:00 am - October 6, 2024 12:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Her spirit will live on through each of you. May we all be as joyful as she was, which shows her love of the lord! May God bless you all ! Bobbie. Mcmahan
Going to miss that beautiful smile she had.. love and prayers to you and yours
You will always be in my heart ❤. Love and miss you
Rita was a beautiful southern lady I loved her stories and our activity trips we went on! Love you all and thank you for sharing Rita with us
My sweet Rita made me smile when i needed it. Which was every day! She was the highlight of my shift. The sweetest hugs, kisses, and soft pats on my face will so dearly be missed! Im so thankful for our snacks, tv shows, and talks. I will always remember and treasure our times together. Ty Gail for entrusting me to love and take care of her. She is missed
My sweet Rita! A true southern bell that made me smile and laugh daily. The talks, hugs, kisses, and laughs will so dearly be missed! Our snacking together and watching tv at times was so precious. I will so miss my friend who could make me smile when i so needed it! I will miss you Rita, and never forget u. Ty to Gail for allowing , and entrusting in me, to take care of her.
Charles and Gail so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Love you♥️
Tiffany Honeycutt; Shower Team CNA
Rita was such a sweet soul! We already miss her so much. It doesn’t feel normal, not having her there. We love you so much, Rita. We all are thinking of Gail, and family. We love you guys, also!
Gail, sorry to hear @ your mother. I enjoyed the picture s you put on Facebook. She was a beautiful lady. Gene and Pat Merrill
Mamaw Black will be deeply missed and always loved. Edwin, Tessa, and all the kids.
Harold and Sherry, so very sorry for your loss.. Mothers are precious 💖 Sending love and prayers!! Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God..
Gail I absolutely loved your mother she was one of sweetest happiest people I ever knew & while I didn’t see her so much anymore I will miss her when I go to do nails. So sorry for your loss
She will be greatly missed .. One of the sweetest ladies I have ever had the pleasure to meet ❤️ I’m so very sorry for your loss
Sweet sweet Rita. I miss you and love you so much. She always made me laugh everyday at work. It was a pleasure to take care of her. I’ll never forget the countless times I found her snacking in the middle of the night with wrappers everywhere. Gail, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am sorry to hear of your dear Mothers passing. I hope that all of the family have received comfort in the Love of our God. Many memories from years gone by.