Jackie Ball

Jackie F. (Jackson) Ball, age 91, formerly of Williford, Arkansas and Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026 at Crestview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Lisbon, Wisconsin. Jackie was born April 26, 1935 in Alabama to Arlie and Irene (Parrish) Jackson Estes.

Jackie was raised by her grandparents on their farm in Red Bay, Alabama until the death of her grandfather. She then moved to Detroit to support herself, giving up her education to do so. There she became president of an Elvis Presley fan club and held a number of jobs including modeling and switch board operator. It was while working in a dime store that she met Mark. She was bending over stocking a display when someone pinched her. When she turned around to slap him, she discovered a police officer in uniform with eyes so blue she could swim in them. He was definitely the love of her life. They married May 26, 1955 and eventually moved to Kenosha, where they raised their four children. Believing strongly in the power of the education, Jackie became involved in the PTA, even becoming a president. She ran for the school board first in 1969 winning election as the first female member in 1970. She became their president in 1973.

Jackie won a Civil Defense award for hosting Civil Defense classes in her home. She also was honored for her work with wounded and disabled veterans at Great Lakes Naval Center Hospital during the Vietnam War. This led to the honor of meeting the famous comedian Marty Allen on his “Hello Dere” tours for the wounded men.

Jackie became involved in politics becoming a recording secretary for the Kenosha County Democratic Women. It was her work with this group that earned her an invitation to tea at the White House from First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, where she also met President Johnson.

While raising her children, Jackie worked as a retail clerk, or checker, at Kohl’s food store until they closed. She was active in their union, becoming a shop steward. Eventually, she was honored by Local 159, Newspaper Guild in 1984 as a long-time labor activist.

In her mid 40s, Jackie was finally able to complete her own education and earned her AD, becoming an RN in 1982 at age 47.

Jackie was a bit of a gambler and loved to play Bingo at the casinos with her friends, Lois Lawson and Betty Wilson. Winning of the jackpot in 1989 enabled the Balls to purchase property in Sharp County, Arkansas next to his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Rotha, where they moved after Mark’s retirement. Jackie then worked at Eastern Ozarks Hospital in Cherokee Village as a staff nurse and ER nurse.

Jackie loved music and played piano as a young mother to her children. She made sure they were all given musical instrument lessons as they grew up. She also loved to dance and even got Mark out on the dance floor now and then.

Jackie also loved to travel, making numerous trips back to Wisconsin as well as to Ohio, Texas, Nebraska, and Hawaii to visit her children and grandchildren. After retiring she became a world traveler with cruises and trips to England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti. Her last trip was a cruise with her sister-in-law, Rotha Ball and her daughter, Elaine to central Mexico to see the ancient ruins.

Jackie was preceded in death by her grandparents and parents; her husband, Mark; a brother, Jerry; and her two sons, Mark and Jerry.

She is survived by her two daughters, Markena and her husband David Lanska and Sonja and her husband Gary Koble as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Jackie was a faithful Christian and attended Bettistown Church of Christ while living in Arkansas. 

Visitation is scheduled for 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on October 23 in the chapel of Tri-County Funeral Home, 1540 Hwy. 62/412, Highland, AR 72542. The funeral will be at the same location beginning at 11:00 a.m. on October 24. Burial will follow in Wiles Cemetery at Ash Flat.