Ella May Risk

BALL, BOSTON, RISK

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 12/12/2024 at 15:41:03

Ella May Risk, 85 years old, of Sun Lakes AZ/Independnece, IA, died Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at home in Sun Lakes, following a short illness.

Memorial Services will be at a later date with burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence, IA.

Ella was born May 16, 1939, in rural Nevada, IA, the daughter of William Franklin Ball and Mary Belle (Boston) Ball. She grew up in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School with the class of 1957. She worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, IA, before continuing her education at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA, graduating with an associate degree in home economics.

On December 31, 1965, she was united in marriage Malcom George Risk at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence. They enjoyed many adventures together including living in multiple locations such as Texas, Florida and Washington, before settling in Iowa; then later retiring to Arizona.

Ella’s creative talents were second to none. She was known for her elaborate holiday decorations, especially Christmas and Halloween. She loved to sew, draw, and make ornaments. Ella volunteered her talents in many ways but was most proud of her leadership of Girl Scout troops for many years.

Ella is survived by her husband of 58 years, Malcom Risk of Sun Lakes, AZ; two daughters, Shannon Risk of Niagara Falls, NY, Suzi (Brian) Risk of Blairstown, IA; two sons, Scott (Julie) Risk of Grapevine, TX, and Steve Risk of Independence, IA; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one son in infancy, Sean Risk; and her brother, Russell Ball.

Memorials may be directed to Nevada’s American Legion, William F. Ball Post #48 (named after Ella’s father who was a WW II veteran.)

Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.