Obituaries

Helen Betty Ball, age 89, of Hessel, Michigan, was peacefully called home to her Heavenly Father on October 25, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault Long Term Care. She was born on April 5, 1937, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Floyd and Betty (Perkins) Bumstead.

Helen grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Soo High School. She married Robert H. Ball, in 1953 and together they established and operated several businesses in the Soo, such as Ball Moving and Storage. In 1977, they moved to Zephyrhills, Florida, where they owned and operated Ralph’s Travel Park until their retirement in 1989. They later embraced the snowbird lifestyle, spending their summers in Hessel, Michigan, and their winters in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Helen was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Zephyrhills. She was also an active member of the Sault Sewing Club and enjoyed participating in a local bowling league.

In her free time, Helen enjoyed sewing, gardening, painting, listening to country music, and cooking. She had a special talent for making pasties, which were among her favorite things to prepare.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Carl) Bahs of Marietta, South Carolina, and Donna (Wendell) Johnson of Zephyrhills; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Remy) Bahs, Eric (Rachel) Bahs, and Emily (Curtis) Snyder; six great grandchildren; brother, Guy (Evelyn) Bumstead of Orlando, Florida; daughter-in-law, Susan Ball of Hessel; brother-in-law, Ralph (Jo Ann) Ball of Potterville, Michigan; and god-children, Norman (Twyla) Ball, Kim (Brad) Browning, and Andy Ball.

Helen was preceded in death by Robert H. Ball; her son, Robert A. Ball; parents, Floyd and Betty; sister, Charlotte (Skip) Fox; brothers, James (Karen) Bumstead, Willard Bumstead, and Thomas Bumstead.

For the past six years Helen resided at long term care where she formed kind, loving bonds with the staff and residents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 Noon.

Helen’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

Memorial contributions can be made in Helen’s name to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 615 Washington Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Ave. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.