Myra Jean (nee Schmidt) Ball, age 83, of North Tonawanda, died Friday, August 19, 2011 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.  Myra was the daughter of the late Harold and Eva Schmidt and had worked as a nurse at DeGraff Memorial Hospital in North Tonawanda, before retiring.  She was the wife of the late John E. Ball, who died November 3, 1997.

She is survived by her nine children, Marjorie (James) Whipple, Kathleen (Harold) Cleckley, Belinda (Marshall) Doan, Patricia (David) McCarthy, John O. Ball, Mary Eichler-Catalano, James (Shannon) Ball, Joanne (Patrick) Riley, and Lorraine (Ronald) Layton; and her brother, Harold (Margaret) Schmidt.  Also surviving are 26 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 PM on Friday, August 26, at the HAMP FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 37 Adam Street at Seymour in Tonawanda.  Upon Myra's wishes, her body was donated to the University at Buffalo.  In lieu of gifts and flowers, memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 4094 are preferred.