Mitchell "Mitch" Sean Ball

Mitch Ball of Coaldale, beloved husband of Jana Ball, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the age of 47 years.

Mitch is the cherished father of Colton (Bryn) Ball, Bailey (Blake) Bullock, Halle Ball, Brett Ball, Macey Ball and Margo Ball. He is survived by his parents Sheldon & Brenda Ball; 4 siblings Jeff (Natalie) Ball, Marina (Merlin) ZoBell, Catherine (Anthony) Littel and Susanne (Chris) Robson; as well as many extended family members.

Mitch was born and raised in Raymond Alberta. He had a love for sport and while growing up he played hockey, basketball, badminton, and baseball. He was often found at Corner Lake in his free time fishing. After graduating high school Mitch served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints among the people in the Czech Republic. Like everything else, the Czech culture became a big part of his life. Fried cheese and porkchops became a Christmas Eve family tradition. Later in life he had the opportunity to act as a translator for local international sporting events.

Mitch caught the eye of his sweetheart at a church dance. Jana thought he was “hot”, and Mitch liked her “booty”, so each of their roommates set them up on their first date. This was the start of their beautiful love story, for it was love at first site. This August they would be celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Together they have created a good life and beautiful eternal family.

Mitch had a passion for the sport of baseball. He played it as a youth and then his passion turned later to umpiring. During the spring and summer months you would find him at the ball diamond, often behind the plate. This giant teddy bear could command the field and he earned the respect of so many people both on and off the diamond. The players loved it when they showed up and found out Mitch Ball was calling the game. He umpired seven Baseball Canada Championships and served as a supervisor at another three. In 2002 he was given the prestigious opportunity to umpire at the 56th Annual Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA being selected to work the Championship game. Mitch represented Canada at the 2008 International Baseball Federation World Junior Championship in Edmonton in addition to the 2009 IBAF World Cup in Europe. He also umpired at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto and the Tournament 12 in 2016. In 2016, Mitch received the Lethbridge Sport Council Achievement Award for officiating excellence.

Mitch was a one in a million. He was humble, kind, and selfless. His gentle demeanor and his cheery disposition made a lasting impression on so many.  He went above and beyond helping anyone he could. He worked hard and he played hard. His number one priority, however, was his family. His love for Jana runs deep, all you have to do is look at his Facebook hacks to know this. He loved to play pranks and his family was often on the receiving end of his tricks. His children absolutely adore him. They spent much time with their dad fishing at Payne Lake. He was able to do what he loved, with who he loved. He really was the best catch of all. Mitch loved Christmas and he made Christmas magical for his family. He taught them it was better to give than to receive. He would spend hours making lawn paintings for those he loved, and his little team would pitch in and help him paint. They loved spending time with him. He would teach them the art of everything he did.

Mitch will be deeply missed. It is hard to wrap up his life in just a few paragraphs. If you knew Mitch, you loved him. We are sad he is gone. We look forward to that day when we will be reunited with him again forever.

To the world you may be just one person Mitch Ball, but to us you are the world!

Due to the unforeseen circumstances regarding the recent COVID-19 restrictions, it is with deep sadness that we announce the cancellation of the friends meet the family scheduled for Friday May 7, 2021.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the communities of Southern Alberta & beyond for rallying around them during such a difficult time. Although they cannot physically be with each one of you during this time, they continue to feel your presence, love, and continued prayers.

For those that wish, the Funeral Service for Mitch will be available to view via a livestream link at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 8, 2021. The link for the service will be available below, beginning at 10:45am on Saturday. 

Sympathy cards may also be dropped off for the family at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703-13th Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mitchell "Mitch" Sean Ball, please visit our floral store.