Obituary

Elaine Finley Ball, 77, of Milton, West Virginia finished the good fight Thursday, August 7, 2008 in St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington, following complications from heart surgery on Monday. Ms. Ball, a retired educator from Cabell County Board of Education, taught for more than 30 years and spent most of her professional career at Milton Elementary as a third grade and fifth grade teacher. She also taught at Culloden Elementary.

Born Elma Elaine Lambert on October 3, 1930 in Huntington to the late Dennie Roy and Ensel Aloma Rousey Lambert, she graduated from Milton High School in 1948 and Marshall University in 1964 with a BA in education. Descending from a family of educators, her first teaching appointment was in a one-room country school prior to college graduation because of a high demand for teachers.

After retirement, Ms. Ball enjoyed oil painting, following Marshall University football, playing piano, watching her grandson play baseball, and entertaining her children and grandchildren. They were her greatest joy and treasure. She was also a member of Valley of Decision Baptist Church and the Autumn Women's Circle.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Ball was preceded in death by first husband, Glendal Finley and an infant brother, "Buddy" Lambert. She is survived by daughter Maria G. Finley; son Mark and daughter-in-law Debbie Finley; grandchildren: Christopher "Scottie" Finley (Andrea), Kristen D. Finley--all of Milton, Cory Finley of West Liberty, West Virginia; one great-grandson, Gabe Finley; brother Rondel "Grayson" Lambert (Timmy) of Barboursville; stepchildren, Jennifer L. Ball of Huntington and Jeffrey H. Ball of Surfside Beach, SC. She is also survived by a host of special friends, cousins and many generations of former school children.

The funeral service is Sunday at 2 p.m. at Heck Funeral Home, Milton, with Pastor Chuck Elkins officiating. Burial will be in Enon Cemetery.
 

Pallbearers are Scottie Finley, Cory Finley, Butch Chapman, Lonnie Scragg, Parrish Harless and Denver Reynolds. Honorary pallbearers are her cousins Gary, Charles and Byron Rowsey. The family will receive condolences Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.