Olean Ball Obituary (1929 - 2025) - Maple Valley, Washington

Olean "Kay" May Ball, born December 29, 1929 in Memphis, TN, departed this life on October 13, 2025. Kay, as she was affectionately known by friends and family, was a beacon of strength, wisdom, and warmth for all who knew her. She had a vibrant personality that was infectious, spreading joy and laughter wherever she went. Kay spent the majority of her professional life in the manufacturing industry, where she worked diligently as a data entry associate. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence were qualities that were admired by her colleagues. In her retirement, she relocated to Maple Valley, Washington, where she spent the remaining six years of her life. Here, she enjoyed the tranquility of her surroundings and cherished the moments spent with her loved ones. As Helen Keller said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." Kay lived by this principle, cherishing every precious moment and making the most of her time with her loved ones. Olean "Kay" Ball is survived by her children, Michelle Mathew and Thomas King, and her grandsons, Kendall and Kellyn Mathew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Anna Alder. Her spirit, however, lives on through her family who remember her as a pillar of strength and an embodiment of love. In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Kay indeed made everyone she met feel special and loved, and her memory will forever be cherished. We invite all who knew and loved Olean "Kay" Ball to share their memories, stories, and photographs on her memorial page. In doing so, we keep her spirit alive, reminding us all of her enduring love and the profound impact she had on our lives.