Juanita Joy Ball

Juanita Joy Ball, 87, of Greeley was reunited in heaven with her husband, Wayne Ball, on their anniversary, September 03, 2019. Born December 17, 1931 in Shickley, Nebraska, she was second of the five surviving children of Curtis and Esther (Salmen) Witt. As a child, Juanita lived in Nebraska, Arizona and Greeley. The family later moved to Evans where she continued school, then entered Greeley High School. Her family moved to Briggsdale in 1947. Serving coffee at a turkey shoot, she met Wayne Ervin Ball, her "dream man”. She graduated from Briggsdale High School in 1949. Due to a teacher shortage, she taught at Carr Elementary School on an Emergency Teaching Certificate at age seventeen. Juanita and Wayne married September 3, 1950 in Greeley and moved to Fort Collins where they both attended Colorado A&M. The couple moved to Prospect Valley in 1954 where Juanita pioneered a kindergarten and led Good News Clubs. They made deeply cherished lifetime friends in the community and Prospect Community Church. She led children’s programs, taught Sunday School and was a frequently requested vocalist and musician for community events. She was also the voice of Aunt Juanita for Tel-a-Story. An accomplished seamstress, she made her own clothes, three-piece suits and wedding dresses for family and friends. At the urging of a friend, she entered clothing at the Weld County Fair and won Grand Champion awards. The couple moved to Greeley in 1982 where Juanita taught senior education courses at AIMS Community College for nearly 20 years. At the end of a class, she would celebrate with a party and bake everyone their favorite pie. She formed the Happy Harper’s Harmonica Band, performing in countless community events and venues. Juanita’s music lessons to all ages spanned over 50 years. Juanita was recognized as volunteer of the year at Fairacres Manor in 1992. Also, a nutrition and fitness enthusiast, she was awarded a Greeley Tribune Unsung Hero award in 2001. Juanita and Wayne enjoyed tending their gardens and growing roses. There were never too many roses. Juanita encouraged others by enthusiastically sharing her faith, commitment, and Biblical principles, while leading music, women’s Bible studies, and exercise groups. Wayne and Juanita were active members of St. Paul’s Congregational Church for over 25 years. Thankful to have shared her life are sons, Wayne (Beth) Jr., Randy and Steve; three grandchildren, David (Erin) Ball, Janey (Brian) White and Alyssa Ball; great-grandchildren, Andi, Cache, Elle, Lilah and a fifth expected; siblings, Jacqueline (Carroll) Cone, Carolyn (Tom) Truitt and sister-in-law, Henrietta Witt. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wayne, brothers and sister in law, Jerry Witt, James (Lorraine) Witt, infant sister, Norma and infant grandson, Ryan Wayne Ball. Visitation will be 4-7p.m. Friday, September 13, 2019 at Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley. Graveside Committal will be 10 a.m. Saturday, September 14 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3400 W 28th Street, Greeley. Life Celebration will be 11a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 1525 43rd Avenue, Greeley, with reception to follow. Memorial gifts may be made to "Christian Women’s Fellowship” at St. Paul’s or "Prospect Community Church” in care of Adamson. Friends may leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.