Richard Dale Ball

Richard Dale Ball, 80, of Menan Idaho, passed away February 23, 2025 at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He was born January 1, 1945 in Lewisville, Idaho to Leland and Elva Jackson Ball. Because of a terrible snowstorm, his mother was unable to get to the hospital so he was born at home. They needed to transport them to the maternity home in Rigby by ambulance, which at the time was Eckersells funeral hearse.

He enjoyed playing football at Rigby High School. During that time, he met and dated his sweetheart Myrna. He graduated in 1963, then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics with a Minor in Accounting from BYU in 1970.

On June 10, 1966 he married Myrna Olaveson in the Idaho Falls, Idaho temple. Together they had five children, two daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Richard grew up sheep ranching with his father and brothers as a part of Ball Brothers. There he developed a deep love of spending time in the mountains, riding horses and driving anything with wheels. Later he began farming and settled in Menan. He raised his family there and worked with, and employed many family members, neighbors, and friends. In addition to farming, he had various truck driving and chauffeur jobs, as well as drove bus for the INL for 7 years. Even after he retired, he drove sheep truck for his cousin Robert Ball and completely enjoyed every minute of it.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in the Alaska Canadian mission. For three months of that mission, he got to be companions with his brother David, which was a special time. He served in many callings in the church and especially enjoyed teaching gospel doctrine, teaching the youth in Sunday school, and serving as elders quorum president. Through his service in the church and his experiences in life, he gained a testimony of Jesus Christ and his Atonement for us. He also enjoyed serving his community on the Jefferson County Soil Conservation board as well as the Menan Planning and Zoning Committee.

Richard is survived by his wife of 58 years Myrna; son R. Duane (Becky) Ball of Grant, Idaho; daughter JoAnn (Christopher) Mathews of Wiesbaden, Germany; son Jaron L. (Kimberly) Ball of Harrisville, Utah; son Russell Ball of Menan, Idaho; daughter Marie (D. Brett) Purser of Rigby, Idaho; sister Barbara Ann (Dee) Raymond of Lewisville, Idaho, as well as 17 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Leland W. Ball, his mother Elva Jackson Ball, and his brothers, L. Wade Ball, David J. Ball, and Stephen L. Ball.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the Menan 1st ward building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Main Street. The family will visit with friends Friday, March 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and prior to the funeral from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. After the service the burial will be in the Menan-Annis Little Butte Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com