Richard Leo Ball b. Nov. 15, 1953 - d. Mar 5, 2021 On Friday, March 5, Richard (Rick) Ball went to heaven, where he was reunited with his first-born daughter, in the presence of his Savior, Jesus. Rick is dearly loved and survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara, their 4 children (Jeremy, Matthew, Stephen, Deborah), 3 daughter-in-laws, 8 grandchildren, 4 siblings, and me, his son-in-law. He was preceded in death by his daughter (Kristen Marie) and his parents (Ralph, Mary Lee). He treasured time with his family, giving full attention and love to each unique person. While with us, Rick displayed his deep love for Jesus through his faithful leadership and obedience to the Lord. Although he was typically content to stand in the background, many people who were close to Rick experienced a spirit of personal sacrifice, generosity, and sensitivity. In his daily life, in business dealings, and personal interactions, Rick was known and admired as a righteous and honorable man. His highly competitive nature was tempered with integrity and compassion. He could certainly fall into the category of a self-made man who blazed his own trail in life, but he would give all the glory to God. Rick had such a servant's heart that most people wouldn't know just how far he had come, retiring with the title Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Multi-Color Corporation (number one label company in the world). While he was proud of the life he lived and the people he loved, he would sooner brag about how blessed he was to be brought into a relationship with Jesus through his bride-to-be. We all loved his infectious laugh, as well as his ability to break any tension with a well-timed joke. He passed on his sense of humor to his grandchildren, who would often delight Rick with surprising quick-witted comments of their own. Another impressive aspect of Rick's life was his propensity for adventure. He travelled the world from Asian countries to Europe and South America for work. But he also enjoyed several fascinating vacations with his wife to places like South Africa, Australia, China, and several parts of Europe. He was a thrill seeker, never backing down from whatever challenge his children threw at him, from skydiving to racecar driving to swimming with a whale shark and much more in between. Rick took care of his people. He was a dedicated father of four children who were all involved in athletics, music, and other extra-curricular activities. Rick never missed a game or performance despite the demands of a heavy workload in his own right. His family was blessed through his hard work and dedication, never wanting for anything. Rick loved his people. For him, it wasn't enough to provide and protect. Rick knew his children's unique characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and was a constant friend and counselor to them. Their hopes and dreams were his hopes and dreams. His wife received his enduring affections for the entirety of their marriage. Until his dying day, Rick pursued Barbara with tenacity... and flowers. She was the love of his life. The legacy of Rick Ball extends from his devotion to his wife and his family, to his dedicated service with his church community, to his many professional accomplishments. Above all else, Rick's children and grandchildren will remember that his treasure was, and is, in heaven - that Jesus was everything to him. As much as we all love Rick / Dad / Papa / Grandpa, no one ever loved him the way Jesus did. The Lord faithfully walked with Rick through every season of his life. Rick was pleased with his life and pleased with his family and friends, but in Christ alone, Rick's joy was found. To us all, Rick was a picture of Jesus' love. Barbara Jeremy & Angie with Julianna (13) & Bridget (8) Matthew & Sarah with Owen (14), Paxton (12), & Emmett (9) Stephen & Elisabeth with Garrett (9) & Peyton (7) Deborah & Brandon with Faith (3) *SPECIAL NOTES... Although Dad loved his backyard flowers...in lieu of flowers or gifts we want to ask for your support in raising funds for the "Rick Ball Adoption Legacy Fund." Adoption brought his Granddaughter Faith Aarrestad into our lives. We would love to continue his legacy through more adoptions and a sibling for Faith. Branches Church will be collecting funds for this special opportunity. Click here to donate online. A special memorial service will be held at Branches Church in Loveland, Ohio, Saturday March 20th at 11am. This event will be live streamed online for those who can't attend. Click here to view online. Following the service we want to celebrate the way "Papa" would. Dad would never have wanted a major fuss, but he always loved an opportunity to host. Join us for some BBQ, a bonfire and s'mores, outside on the Branches campus. During the service we will do our best to allow for social distancing and request masks be worn from those that attend. In an attempt to understand how many will be joining us we do ask that you RSVP through this registration form. Click here register online.