Sandra Kay Ball, 73, of Burlington, died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born on March 5, 1950, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Martin and Pauline Howard Dreckmeier. She married Jerry “Ray” Ball in Burlington on Sept. 4, 1993.
Sandy was one of eleven children, with a large extended family that she adored spending time with. Her grandchildren, Evyan, Finley, Sofie, Declan, and Liliana were the light of her life. Watching them and her fifty-nine nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces participating in their various activities throughout the years were some of her most cherished times. Regardless of the holiday, she valued time spent with family -the more the merrier. Christmas held an extra special place in her heart, and she would love the idea of all of her family and friends being together at this time of year.
Sandy had a soft spot for animals, especially kitties. Throughout the years, you were always welcomed into her home by a cat or two (or sometimes three). She always enjoyed a good craft shopping day with her sister, Mary, and spending time with her best friends, Karen, Cindy, and Jeannie. She loved to work in her yard and spent hours of time on her screened-in porch, admiring her beautiful lawn and flowers.
Sandy is survived by her husband Ray; son Corey (Jana) Engebretson and their daughters: Evyan and Finley; step-son: Riley (Stefanie) Ball and their children: Sofie, Declan and Liliana; seven siblings: Harold “Buz” (Vicki) Dreckmeier, John (Jean) Dreckmeier, Paul Dreckmeier, Tom Dreckmeier and Jim (Micki) Dreckmeier all of Burlington, Mark (Kelli) Dreckmeier of Carolton, Texas and Terry (Scott) Dreckmeier of Overland Park, Kan.; sister-in-law, Jo Beth (Rick) Simmons of Morning Sun and brother-in-law, Gary Walsh of Burlington. She was preceded in death by her parents, half brother Martin “Junie” Dreckmeier Jr., sister Mary Walsh, brother Don Dreckmeier, and brother-in-law Jim Ball.
Per her wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Lunning Chapel, where the family will receive family and friends.
A memorial service will be held for Sandy at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at Lunning Chapel, with Pastor Dean Graber officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for P.A.W. Animal Shelter and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.