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My mom Waltraut Elizabeth Emma Ball (nee Grubbe) fondly known as Val was born in Lauenberg, Germany (now Poland). She was a wonderful and unforgettable lady with considerable strength and determination.

Her life began in Germany where she had some difficult times which forged her character, particularly being a refugee during World War II. She went into nursing in Germany which eventually led her to moving to England, initially as a nanny for a British Officer in Scarborough, but then moving to West Bromwich as a nurse. It was in the Olde Leathern Bottle Wednesbury where she met my dad Cyril Ball. They enjoyed a wonderful and loving relationship having two daughters, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was the matriarch of our family and loved them all dearly, especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren  

Sadly my dad passed away at the age of 70 in 1993 and shortly afterwards Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's. She was a very active person and proudly told everyone that she had been a nurse for 29 years briskly walking the corridors of Edward Street and Hallam hospital. Despite developing osteo-arthritis in her hip along with Parkinson's, which gradually reduced her mobility, Mom didn't let it stop her, in fact she was more determined and continued her past times of gardening, crocheting and never doing anything halfheartedly. 

She was an avid West Bromwich Albion supporter and season ticket holder well into her 80s and constantly watched Sky Sports News, spreading updates to relatives as transfer news etc came through. Mom was really proud to be included in a chapter in Adrian Chiles' book 'We don't know what we are doing'. Adrian was amazed at mom's strength of character and sense of humour after all what she had been through.  She would tell visitors 'I'm in Adrian Chiles book you know, do you know him?' I'm so glad that he took the time to do this for mom as it gave her so much pleasure. She would have been even prouder to know he interrupted his busy schedule with the World cup to attend her funeral. Thank you Adrian.

Sadly mom lost her life to associated conditions of Parkinson's in April 2014, despite her strength and determination she couldn't win that battle. 

For those that know Parkinson's is a cruel disease and I am sure Mom would love to prevent others suffering from the effects of this condition. I would like her legacy to be that she could in some way make a difference to help find a cure for the disease or if not to improve awareness and to help improve the support with end of life care.

Everyone that has met mom will never forget her. She was a wonderful warm loving person, wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother, auntie and friend

God Bless you mom and thanks for being you xx