Elwood H. "Woody" Ball

Elwood H. " Woody " Ball, age 89, of Monmouth, passed away at 2:40 p.m., March 2, 2008, at OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth. "Woody" was born August 9, 1918 in Coldwater, Michigan, and was the son of Edgar and Alma Barker Ball. He was reared and educated in Battle Creek, Michigan where he attended local schools through High School. He then attended and received a Bachelor's degree in music from the University of Michigan at Ann Harbor. Elwood entered the Army Air Corp in 1942 and was a First Lieutenant serving in Italy, Africa, Southern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe and was discharged in 1945. Woody then returned to the University and earned his Master's degree, also in music. While in service, Elwood married Genevieve Joy Southworth at Camp Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. "Woody" started playing the Organ and Pipe Organ when he was sixteen. After his college education, he came to Monmouth, Illinois and Monmouth College in 1953 where he served as a professor of music and also as Dean of Men and Dean of Students over the next thirty years. Woody established and served as the Director if the College's first Career Development Department prior to his retirement in 1983. He has been of the Presbyterian Faith since coming to Monmouth as a member of First United Presbyterian Church, then Grace United Presbyterian, and currently at Faith United Presbyterian Church. He has served as both a Deacon and Elder of his church. He also has been the Church organist and the Choir Director over that time and is currently titled as "Director of Music Ministry Emeritus. "Woody" enjoyed the Opera, bike riding, playing Golf, and photography. Music was his main Hobby and interest. Surviving him is his Wife Genevieve Ball of Monmouth, Illinois; Three Daughters Janis Durr and Rob Wells of Charlotte, North Carolina; Judith Ball of Schaumburg, Illinois; and Pamela Gustafson and John of Plymouth, Minnesota; One Son Gregory "Pete "Ball of Monmouth, Illinois. Six Grandchildren also survive Briony,Ashley, and Ian Ball, Gregory Rebecca, and Benjamin Gustafson. Preceding "Woody" in his death are his Parents, Two Brothers, and One Sister. Services:A memorial service will be at Faith United Presbyterian Church on Friday March 7, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Cremation has been accorded. The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions are made to either Faith United Presbyterian Church, "Elwood Ball Memorial Music Fund" or "Monmouth College Elwood Ball Memorial Music Fund". Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements