Michael Ball, 85, of Sayre, PA, passed away Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Robert Packer Hospital. He was born on September 1, 1926, in Sayre, PA the son of the late Patrina and Alex Ball. Michael was a graduate of Sayre High School. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his discharge, he attended the University of Scranton, graduating with a degree in Physics. He was employed by IBM, Owego, NY for over 30 years until his retirement in 1990. For many years, he also owned a jewelry and gift store in Waverly, NY (S.J. Ball Jewelers) which he had started with his brother, Steve. After retiring, he became involved in volunteer activities, for many years teaching AARP safe driving courses and assisting with income tax preparation for seniors. He also served on the Athens Township Planning Committee for a time. He was a member of Epiphany Parish in Sayre, Skiff Bower Post #1536 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Sayre Elks Lodge #1148. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle who loved nothing more than to spend time with his family. He is predeceased by his sisters Anna and Stella Ball, Ann Porter, and brother Steve Ball. Michael is survived his wife of 42 years Patricia Thomas Ball at home, daughters Kathryn (Charles) Talada of Litchfield, PA, Mary (Clay) Flannigan of San Antonio, TX, and Sara Ball of Indianapolis, IN, grandchildren Samantha King, Mallory King, Heather Talada, Joseph Michael Talada, and Graysen Talada, brother-in-law George Porter, nieces Patricia (Dale) Freed, Susan Toukatly, Sharon (Kenneth) Harding, Mary Kay (John) Palumbo, and Monica (Keith) McFall, and several grand nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 9:30am at the Church of the Epiphany, 304 South Elmer Ave., Sayre, PA. The family is being assisted by Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens, PA. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, Waverly, NY. The family will provide flowers, memorial donations may be made in Michael’s memory to: The Bridge, P.O. Box 202, Sayre, PA 18840 to support the flood relief survivors, please note "Flood Relief" on your check or call 570-888-8826 for further information. (For those wishing to sign the E-guestbook and send condolences may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com.)