Mellicent E. Ball, 95, of Damariscotta, passed away July 30. She was born Nov. 13, 1915 at home in Damariscotta Mills to Eola (Jackson) and Melrose Jones. She graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1933 and married Joseph Edward Ball Sr., and had six children. During WWII she worked as a tacker at the Bath Iron Works. In 1948 she moved with her children to Bath. There, she worked as “chief cook and bottle washer” for several families and was receptionist at the Sedgewick Hotel. She was a member of PTA, Grace Episcopal Church and the Women’s Guild. In the early 50s she organized the women of Hyde Park mostly to have fun and plan women’s only themed parties.
She was taught to sew by her paternal grandmother and earned her living and supplemented her income after retiring, sewing for others. She taught sewing in Bath, at the Job Corps in Poland Springs and at Alewives Fabric at the Mills. She was an accomplished tailor, making men’s suits, dance costumes, wedding gowns, authentic period clothes and quilts for her family and friends. She donated many baby quilts to various charitable organizations.
Returning to Nobleboro in the early 70s, she worked for Mrs. Henry Beston for several years. She was a member of the Nobleboro Grange for 65 years and served 77 years as a member of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Homemakers. She was a charter member of the Clamshell Quilters and a member of the Democratic Party, supporting women candidates.
One of her favorite places in the world was North Star Island on Damariscotta Lake, which her father settled before she was born. She summered there and ran her own boat until she was over 90. She kept a daily log of the adventures and everyday comings and goings on the lake. She rescued many boats, from Chris Crafts to lost kayaks, and was a maker of fine home brew and blueberry pie.
She was an avid reader, cherished history, was a devoted player of Trivial Pursuit, and loved her many cats. Known for speaking her own mind, she was clear right to the end.
She was predeceased by her half sister, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Hatch Norburg.
She is survived by her children and their families: son, Joseph Edward Ball Jr. and wife Evelyn, and their children Robert Ball, Patty Ball Stevens and Gary Ball (predeceased); daughter, Joyce Evelyn Ball Brown and son Nathan Brown; son, Richard Jackson Ball and son Anthony Ball; daughter, Norma Helen Ball and sons, Glen Rogers and Sidney Rogers; son, Michael Barney Ball and wife Faith; daughter, Eola Ann Ball and husband Edsel Spencer and their daughter Kea Spencer Crivelly; 10 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth Applin; brother, Arthur Jones; and many nieces and nephews.
Celebration of her life 11 a.m., Sat., Aug. 13 at the Stevens’ camp site on Deer Farm Road in Nobleboro. Dress casually as we will be outdoors. Directions: From Route One in Nobleboro, turn onto the Vannah Road, take a right onto the East Neck Road and go one mile and take a right onto Deer Farm Road. Bring a flower from your garden and a story to share.
A donation may be made in her name to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Highway, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.