Della G. Ball, 1878-1962

Della G. Ball was part of a generation of Akron-area Catholic women who helped build that religion's community and welfare organizations in the city.

She was involved in the National Council of Catholic Women from its beginnings in 1923. She attended its first meeting and then eventually went on to serve as its president. She also belonged to the Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association, Our Lady of Peace Study Club and the St. Sebastian Sanctuary Society. In addition, she was also the first grand regent of the Akron Catholic Daughters.

Besides being a member of these organizations, Ball pioneered several other Catholic organizations. She was the founder and president of the Maryknoll Guild and she was a charter member of the Legion of Mary of St. Sebastian.

Ball's community involvement included being a member of the Historical Society, the Women's City Club and the Loyal Club. She was also the first president of the East Akron Women's Club.

Ball was married to Harry B., who was a clerk at the Goodyear Company. They resided at 378 East Buchtel Ave., where Ball lived until she became ill in 1961. At that time she moved to 1845 Tanglewood Dr. to live with her niece, Melvina Becker. Ball died in 1962, at the age of 84, in St. Thomas Hospital after being ill for six months.

Photo courtesy of The University of Akron Archives.

--Janelle Baltputnis