Sally Ann Ball Vranes Obituary (1953 - 2010)

Sally Ann Ball Vranes 57, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2010 surrounded by her family at home after battling Adnoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) cancer for nearly 5 years.She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 24, 1953, on the wedding anniversary of her parents Dick and Darlene Ball – hence her middle name Ann which is a shortened version for “anniversary”. Sally graduated from Highland High School in 1971 and attended BYU. One evening when she was just about to leave for some planned activities, Mike, her soon to be husband, came knocking at the front door. After one date and a year later, Sally married Mike in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.Sally worked full-time as Mike finished educational pursuits. She was determined to be a stay-at-home-mom once they started their family, which began with Katie in Phoenix, AZ, Michael in Los Angeles, CA, Nicholas in Pasadena, CA, and completed with Parker & Colby in Salt Lake City. She supplemented the family income with her organized and thrifty ways (day care, pre-school teacher and boutique shop sales assistant). She cherished her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, chef, sports fan, women’s church leader, and lover of people. Most of all, Sally was devoted to building a warm happy home where she focused her labor of love on her family.She derived much joy from service as she labored with the Sisters of all ages in the LDS faith. Her special gift of love for others was motivated by her love for the Lord which she emphasized in her farewell message to her family as she admonished her children to trust the Lord and stay close to him – and he will always be there for them – this was Sally’s personal testimony to her family. Her family, extended family and friends provided amazing support throughout her journey.Thanks to all the medical teams that have worked with Sally, with a special thanks to the Utah Cancer Specialists medical team that enabled her to share the last five wonderful years with her family. Thanks to family and friends that have showered Sally’s life with cards, flowers, food, gifts and prayers. Sally believed that we can’t always choose our journey, but we can choose our attitude – and she chose understanding and love with her life’s motto of “Always Choose Compassion” (ACC).Survivors include her loving husband, Mike; children, Katie Byrge (Bryan), Michael, Nicholas (Zandra), Parker and Colby; grandchildren, Braxton, Cade, Davis and Brittea; sisters Pam Warner and Dixie Swiatocha (Bob); brother, Richard Ball (Bev); and many extended family members.Funeral services held on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 12:00 p.m. at the Valley Park 2nd Ward, 5233 S. 3200 W. Viewing will be held Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. Jordan Parkway, (10600 S.) and from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Interment Holladay Memorial Park following funeral.