Bonnie Joy Ball

Bonnie Joy Ball (77), lost her battle with gallbladder cancer on Dec. 22, 2024.  She took  her last breath in front of the Christmas tree, surrounded by family.

Bonnie was born in Billings, MT, on November 24, 1947, to Joy Edna Parsons and Reitar Hector Coffman. The family tried farm life for a year on a family farm near Culberston, MT (for half of Bonnie’s 3rd & 4th grade year), but ended up returning to Billings.  She had a wonderful childhood, with younger sister Connie.  She attended high school at Billings West High, and proudly (but secretly) was the West High bear (mascot). She graduated in 1966.

Bonnie attended both Northwest Bible College (in Kirkland, WA) and Eastern Montana College. She graduated from EMC in 1971, with a Business Administration degree and an option in accounting.  Little did she know, that this degree would lead her to her future husband.  Bonnie became the bookkeeper at the Towe, Neely, and Ball law firm and caught the attention of Court Ball. They dated for several years, and ended up marrying on June 11, 1977. She moved in with Court and his 2 sons, Curtis and Kevin, and began their life together. They welcomed daughter Courtney and son Kyle in the next few years

While Court continued his law practice, Bonnie felt fortunate to be able to stay home. She was an amazing mom and homemaker. She was passionate about family dinners each night, and family vacations each summer. Dad always praised her as “the glue” that kept our family strong. We will remember her love for Pepper & Buckeye (family dogs), her hatred of the heat/humidity, and her passion for taking pictures.  She loved family, hosting, the holidays, and cabin get-aways.  Bonnie & Court attended Faith Chapel for decades, and her faith was very important to her.

Bonnie lost Court, the love of her life, in 2020 after 43 years of marriage. She was an incredible helpmate and his biggest advocate.

Bonnie was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer on August 6 of this year. Her diagnosis was a shock, and she wanted valiantly to fight and live. We are so grateful that she is done with her failing body, and is finally with her Savior and also reunited with Dad.

She is survived by her children, Courtney (Toby) Hill and Kyle (Karin) Ball; stepsons Curtis (Holly) Ball and Kevin (Kristie) Ball; 11 grandkids (Easton, Hadley, & Remington Hill; Elliot, Jane, & Emma Ball; Kayla, Kassidy, & Kaden Ball; Ashley Stoltenberg & Kameron Ball); and her sister, Connie (Curt) Wicker (& kids Katie Joy Schlegel, Jacquelyn Redfern, & Jeremy Wicker).  She is preceded in death by her father Reitar Coffman, her mother Joy Coffman, her husband Court Ball, and many aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am, on January 10th at Faith Chapel (517 Shiloh Rd, Billings 59106). Lunch reception following. Private graveside service will follow for family. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to World Vision International or LaVie.