Phillip John Ball

He will raise you up on eagle's wings.  Bear you on the breath of dawn. Make you shine like the sun. And hold you in the Palm of His hand.  

Obituary

Phillip John Ball, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, at the age of 73, after a courageous battle with leukemia and complications from Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD).


Born on December 19, 1951, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Phill was the cherished son of Gordon and Margaret Ball. He grew up in both Phillipsburg, New Jersey and Cleveland, Ohio, alongside his brother, Robert (Cindy) Ball, and was raised on the enduring values of faith, family, hard work, and community—principles that shaped the way he lived every day of his life.


After graduating from Bowling Green State University, Phill married his high school sweetheart, Jane (Seiverth) Ball, beginning what would ultimately be a fifty year partnership full of love, laughter, and adventure. His career in sales began with Eastman Kodak and culminated in his retirement from Coinstar/Redbox. His work took the Ball family across the country—from Jacksonville, FL to Marietta, GA, then to Troy, MI; Fairport, NY; Leawood, KS; and finally settling in West Chester, OH. Each stop added dear friends and meaningful memories to Phill’s journey.


Phill’s proudest role was that of a family man. He was the devoted father of Stephanie (Dave) Strano, Allison (Greg) Herrmann, and Cherilyn (Rick) Cross, and a doting grandfather to Alex, Gabriella, and Juliana Strano; Max and Audrey Herrmann; and Cora and Olivia Cross. He affectionately referred to his beloved family as “the fifteen members he was fighting for” and drew strength from their love during his health challenges.


Known for his infectious laughter and irrepressible optimism, Phill had an unwavering belief in the good in life. His favorite saying—“Is the glass half full or half empty?”—was a reflection of his calm, hopeful spirit, even in the face of great adversity.


A lover of good food, fine wine, and meaningful music, Phill was the undisputed Weber Grill Master, a skilled mixologist of Manhattans and Martini’s, a passionate fan of marching bands and pipe organs, and a true connoisseur of life’s joys. Whether cooking a family meal, sharing a glass of wine, or simply making others laugh, he turned ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. His charisma, twinkling eyes, and rosy cheeks were matched only by the kindness he showed to everyone he met.


Phill was forever grateful for the gift of life extended to him by his bone marrow donor, Anton, through the Be The Match registry. In honor of this life-saving gift, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to https://www.nmdp.org(formerly Be The Match).


Phill Ball lived with grace, humor, and boundless love. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and strength that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

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