Elaine Kathryn Ball

Elaine Kathryn Ball died peacefully, surrounded by family on August 11, 2026.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa to Dr. James and Ida Mae Skultety on June 20, 1941, Elaine was the second of their seven children. From the start, Elaine was a feisty, determined, and strong-willed leader - traits she carried her entire life. Elaine attended St. Augustine Catholic School and graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1959 and remained a lifelong supporter of Catholic education.

Elaine attended Iowa State University where she met and married the love of her life, Darrell Ball, on August 17, 1963. She took immense pride in her three sons: Rick, Mike, and David. Raising three active boys was a whirlwind, but Elaine was up to the task. She was frequently heard saying, "I am not a referee, you three need to work it out." Elaine forged a tradition for shared meals and conversation by ensuring that the family ate dinner together - regardless of how late the sports practices ran. As her sons married, Elaine welcomed and loved her daughters-in-law as her own.

Although family was always Elaine's first priority, she gave her time, talent, and resources to many organizations in Des Moines. Elaine served as a board member of Mercy College, member of the Mercy Auxiliary of Central Iowa, the Catholic Daughters of America, a PEO sister, and an active parishioner at St. Augustine, Sacred Heart, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic parishes over her lifetime. When the Diocese of Des Moines established the parish of St. Francis of Assisi in 1991, Darrell and Elaine became founding members and actively supported the parish at each step as it grew and expanded - from the WDM Marriott to the first Mass in the church in August 2000. Elaine cherished her many friends and the fond memories of their travels together. In her free time, she loved to read.

In the last season of her life, Elaine was the beloved grandmother to eight granddaughters and one grandson. Grandparent was possibly her favorite role. She spent countless hours cheering at numerous activities and never failed to express her pride and admiration for her grandchildren's talents. Elaine could often be heard sharing her grandchildren's latest achievements (perhaps with some embellishment) to anyone who would listen. She loved to see her family together - especially in her kitchen baking Christmas cookies or at Sun Valley Lake.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Darrell, and siblings Leanna Rist and Dan Skultety. She is survived by her sons Rick (Nancy), Mike, and David (Karen) Ball and grandchildren Megan, Amanda (Ben), Katie, Sarah, Alex (Melanie), Madeline, Emily, Alexandra, and Zoe Ball, and siblings Janice (Ron) Bird, Jim Skultety, Mary (Mike) Hoye, and Paul (Michelle) Skultety, and sister-in-law Nan Sodders, and several beloved nieces, nephews.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Patchouli Gomez for her compassion, kindness, and care for Elaine during her final years. The family is also grateful to the staff at Edgewater Senior Living Community and Suncrest Care Hospice for their care.

Visitation will be Friday, August 21 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale. A rosary will take place at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 22 at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines. Private family committal will conclude at Resthaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Library at St. Francis of Assisi School, Dowling Catholic High School's Campus Ministry Program, or Mercy College.