Memorial services were held in honor of Verna Mae Ball, 80, of Jefferson on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at Greenewood Community Center in Jefferson. Verna prearranged for cremation with the Cremation Society of Iowa.

Verna Mae Ball, the daughter of Emmett Daniel French and Sylvan Mae Snodgrass, was born April 17, 1928 in Clarks, NE. Verna graduated from Central City High School in 1946.

Verna and Delmar Ivan Ball were united in marriage on December 30, 1948, and made their home together in Central City, NE. To this union James Edward was born December 27, 1959 and Jana Marie was born October 19, 1962.

Verna's passion for professionalism awarded her many successes and respect throughout her career. During high school Verna worked at Justice and Locke Drug Store, 1944 to 1946. From 1946 to 1959, she worked at Sampson and Armatys, Attys., as a legal secretary (all in Central City, NE). Moving to McCook, NE, she was co-manager of Chief Motel 1960 to 1963, and manager of Cedar Motel 1963 to 1964. Then onto Valentine, NE, where she worked part-time at State Farm Insurance and at the motel as relief manager. In 1966, Delmar was transferred to Iowa and the family moved to Jefferson where Verna worked at Jefferson State Bank (Brenton) 1967 to 1991, starting as an Executive Secretary and leaving as a Trust and Investment Officer. Retired in March 1991, she maintained a part-time job as a Trustee of the Dora Mahanay Educational Trust. Upon retirement, she enjoyed the last 17 years wintering in Arizona.

Survivors include Verna's son Jeb Ball and wife Diane of Jefferson; daughter Jana Morgan and husband Rick of Grimes; three grandchildren, Colton Conroy of Jefferson, Brian Morgan of Ames, Karlee Morgan of Grimes; and nieces and nephews.

Verna died on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at IA Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines of respiratory failure. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Archie Dale French and her husband, Del Ball.