Thelma Ball

Thelma (Fawn) Ball. Peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 7, 2026, at the age of 101.

She was born at home on March 16, 1925, in Lewis Center, Ohio. She grew up in a lively household with six sisters and four brothers, and their relationships were close all their lives. She was the sixth child of her parents, James Clifford and Julia (Perkins) Fawn.

She attended Orange Elementary School through eighth grade before moving to Croton, Ohio, to live with relatives and attend Hartford High School. Thelma graduated in 1943 and immediately contributed to the war effort by working at Kilgore Manufacturing, producing supplies for World War II,

On February 2, 1946, Thelma married the love of her life, Howard Ball. The two had grown up together in Lewis Center and remained devoted through the years, even corresponding faithfully during Howard’s three years of Army service. After his return, they eloped in Greenup, Kentucky. Together they welcomed four children – two sons and two daughters – in five years and built a home centered on faith, love, and dedication. Thelma embraced her role as a homemaker and mother with pride and joy, later celebrating a growing legacy that included 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She and Howard shared more than 69 years of marriage before his passing in 2015.

In addition to caring for her family, Thelma worked 29 years at Hilliard Dry Cleaners, where she formed lasting friendships throughout the community. She was an avid reader and enjoyed meaningful conversations. Known for her warmth, she never met a stranger. At Carriage Court Senior Living, where she resided the last six years, she proudly served as an ambassador, welcoming new residents and helping them to feel at home. She loved her friends there and the staff who lovingly cared for her.

Thelma credited her long and blessed life to her unwavering faith. As she often shared, “Jesus has always been my best friend and my guide.” She lived by Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Thelma is now reunited with her beloved husband Howard, son Larry, grandsons Matthew Ball and Matthew Gilson, nine siblings, and her parents.

She is survived by her youngest brother Donald Fawn; her children Chet (Mary) Ball, Sandy (Pete) Hammond, and Sherry (Warren) Gilson; grandchildren Chad (Vicky) Ball, Tina Whitaker, Tonya Hall, Tami West, Rebecca (Philip) Hostetler, Laura (Kenny Moore, Wesley Gilson, Heidi (Brian) Schoonover, Ryan (Jeannie) Gilson; 28 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call 4-7pm, TUESDAY, August 11, 2026, at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, Ohio, where Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am, WEDNESDAY, August 12, 2026. Interment will follow at Africa Cemetery.