Sue Ball died of heart failure on April 29, 2022.

She was born in Watsonville Ca. on July 19, 1944, the daughter of Carl and Jewell Sahlberg.

She grew up in Gilroy and graduated Gilroy High in 1962 and attended San Jose State. In 1963, she married Jack Pate. She had two loving children, Kelly and Jennifer. She earned two A.A. degrees in Music and Mathematics. She enjoyed playing the piano and painting. She kept her home in an elegant and creative manner. She was funny and direct. She worked with Jack at Gilroy Stationers and Montgomery Auto Parts. She also enjoyed working with her friends at the Book Arbor.

She received a brokerage license and sold real estate for Connell Realty. There she met the love of her life Bruce Ball and they married February 17, 1991. She helped Bruce run Ball Construction.  By combining their families, they had 6 children. This kept them busy. They bought a major fixer-upper on Filice Dr in 2006. Her family and close friends questioned this decision, but with Sue's vision and Bruce's skills, they built a beautiful home.

She was active in her community. She sent her two girls to the parent participation pre-school. She helped the establishment of Gilroy Theater Angels and was a board member of the Library and Culture Commission. She continued to volunteer at St. Louise Regional Hospital and sat on its board. She participated and was an officer in many clubs: Women in Touch, FRFG Women's Study Group, and Garlic Ladies Investment Club. She also enjoyed water aerobics.

She had many good friends. She traveled with her high school friends all over California Nashville, and had an adventure to New York City. She was a great conversationalist and supported many.

She is survived by a large family: her husband Bruce Ball, her sister Nancy Crabb, her children Kelly Bryan and Jennifer Howell, her stepchildren Kenny Ball, Keith Ball, Kevin Ball, and Kim Kelley. She had 20 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to her Celebration of Life on Monday, May 16th at 11am at the Eagle Ridge Club House.

In lieu of flowers, donate to Gilroy Salvation Army or the charity of your choice.