Obituaries

Ethel M. Ball, age 89, a lifelong resident of Duryea, died Monday morning peacefully at home. She was preceded in death on February 11, 1991, by her beloved husband of 48 years, William J. Ball. Born on November 16, 1923, daughter of the late George and Lillie Horseman Kemler, Ethel was a graduate of the former Duryea High School, Class of 1941. The first American woman ever hired at Schott Glass Company, she would work as a quality inspector prior to her retirement. An active member of the Brick United Methodist Church in Duryea, she was also a member of the choir. She was a former girl scout leader and she also enjoyed hunting with her husband, but above all she will forever be remembered as the best mother and grandmother in the world.
She is survived by a daughter, Diana Rodgers, and a son, Gilbert Ball and wife Diane, all of Duryea; a sister, Florence Bartnikowski of Duryea; a sister-in-law, Grace Kemler of Duryea; five grandchildren, Timothy Ball, Kimberly Cashmere, Robert, Rebecca and Beth Dymond; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Brothers, Thomas Richard (Dick) and Alvin Kemler; and a sister, Margaret Winn, also preceded her in death.
Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday to begin at 10:00AM in the Brick United Methodist Church, 935 Foote Avenue, Duryea, to be conducted by Rev. Sharon Dietz, Pastor. Interment will follow in the Marcy Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 5-8:00PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ethel’s name to the Brick United Methodist Church, 935 Foote Avenue, Duryea, 18642.