Mary Jane (Lewis) Ball

Mary Jane (Lewis) Ball,87, formerly of Gowanda and a long-time resident of Elderwood Assisted Living at Cheektowaga, New York, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 2, 2025, after a short stay in Elderwood at Cheektowaga SNF. She was born on Sept. 24, 1938, in Franklin Township, Pennsylvania, to John and Imel (Abbott) Lewis, and raised in rural Pennsylvania before eventually settling down in Gowanda, New York, in the early 1960’s with her husband Clair Ball to raise a family.

While fulfilling her primary role as a homemaker raising five children, she also held various positions throughout her life having been employed by the former Campbell’s Furniture store and the Knowles and Fisher Company. Mary Jane was also employed by the Gowanda Central School system and retired from her position as a custodian/cleaner in 1997. Subsequent to retirement, she enjoyed socializing with her friends, dancing, spending time with her grandchildren, and meeting others through the many lawn and estate sales she visited and held throughout the years. A selfless and caring person who always seemed to put others before herself, she received immense satisfaction through the giving of her time and assisting in the care-giving of others.

The youngest of 12 children, she was preceded in death by both parents and her 11 siblings – five brothers: Norman (Kenneth), Donald, Theodore (Sam), Paul and Wayne, and six sisters: Helen Fiesler, Elsie Huya, Arlene (Irene) Campbell, Hazel Finegan-Stuck, Elma Corder and Velma Baldwin. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Clair Ball. Survivors include her five children: Sheryl Matteson (Rose), Doreen Ball, David Ball (Lisa), James Ball, and Clair Ball, Jr.; five grandchildren (Shaun, Corey, Ashley, Rachel, & Hannah), and numerous great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of DiStasio Funeral Home Inc. A private family service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Gowanda. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Gowanda. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Gowanda Ambulance Service Corp located at 225 Aldrich St., Gowanda, New York 14070.

Online condolences may be made at www.distasiofuneralhome.com.