QUAKER SPRINGS — Royce Douglas Ball, (81), of Quaker Springs, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
Royce, or Mr. Ball as he was known to thousands of former students, was born March 16, 1942. He was born to Ruth and Chauncey Ball as one of 16 children in Copenhagen, NY. Royce attended Potsdam College and became a high school math teacher at Schuylerville Central School, where he taught for his entire 32-year career. It was here he met and married his beloved wife Mary Jo (Endres) almost 54 years ago.
Royce always gave above and beyond to those around him. He faithfully served the Quaker Springs Fire Department for 47 years as Fire Police and various other roles. As teacher, he also served as a coach, class advisor, Honor Society advisor, union leadership and anything else that needed doing, including riding a donkey! He would gladly do whatever he could to help those in need whether it was at school, at the horse barn, at the fire house, or on the side of the road. He loved to be puttering something and swore anything could be fixed with electrical tape, duct tape and a hole punch. One of his favorite spots was to sit on the fronch porch with Mary Jo and enjoy the spring weather.
The role Royce cherished above all else was that of Dad and Grandpa. He would tell you he was constantly “running the roads” to take his girls to a horse show, a practice or a 4-H activity. Then he would crack a joke to let you know he really didn’t mind a bit. In later years, he and Mary Jo would travel the roads to see their grandchildren in sporting events or concerts across town or across the state.
Royce was predeceased by his parents and several siblings.
He is survived by his wife Mary Jo (Endres); his daughters Robin (Edward) of Cambridge, NY, Laurie (Eric) of Weedsport, NY, and Sarah (James) of Granville, NY; also by his grandchildren Egan, Steven and Sydney; sisters Beverly (Peck) and Sharon (Cushman); and sister-in-law, Helen Anne (Endres), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends and family gathered to remember him at Flynn Brothers Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
A funeral mass was held Monday, August 21, 2023 at Notre Dame-Visitation Church, followed by a burial at Prospect Hill Cemetary in Schuylerville.
A reception followed at the Quaker Springs Fire Hall.
Donations made in Royce’s honor can be made to the Quaker Springs Fire Department.
Online remembrances can be made at flynnbrosinc.com
