Deirdre Marie Ball

Deirdre “Dee Dee” Marie Ball, of Columbus, Ohio, entered the arms of her Savior on September 27, 2025, at age 58.

Dee Dee’s life was marked by faithful obedience to God. She earned her associate degree in Interpreting/Transliterating in 1990 and became well-connected as she served the deaf community in central Ohio as a sign language interpreter. While she greatly enjoyed interpreting, she felt the Lord calling her to homeschool her two daughters. Obeying that call, Dee Dee began homeschooling in 2002 and found joy in discovering “teaching moments” in everyday life. She loved teaching not only her own children but also the children at church. Dee Dee was an active volunteer in the kids' ministry, delighting in her performances as Heather Deshay in skits. Her wholeheartedness led her to take on leadership roles in homeschool co-ops, and she especially enjoyed coaching speech at her daughters’ homeschool speech and debate club. In 2013, Dee Dee became involved in anti-human trafficking efforts in central Ohio, mentoring survivors and leading Bible studies to help them connect with God. After both of her daughters graduated, Dee Dee once again obediently stepped into a new calling—working with FEMA. She began her work with FEMA in September 2019 and came to deeply enjoy her deployments. Each one was an opportunity to use her interpreting skills, meet new people, and share the love of Christ through tea and games. Dee Dee will be remembered for her laughter, her heart for others, and her honesty.

Dee Dee is survived by her loving husband of almost 34 years, Richard Ball; her daughters, Reilly Miller (Ethan) and Olivia Boesch (Alex); and her sisters, Erin and Louie West. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Corcoran and Thomas West and twin sister, Alanna Hering.

The family will be holding a memorial to honor and celebrate Dee Dee’s life at 2pm on Saturday, October 18 at Grace Point Community Church (2393 Peachblow Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035). Attendees are encouraged to wear blue. ASL interpreting services will be provided.