Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

January 5, 2026

Mary Ruth Lorimer Ball, 79, of Charlotte, NC died peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026 shortly after receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in December. Lorrie was born September 6, 1946 in Evanston, IL, the daughter of the late Dr. Wishard Speer Lorimer and Margaret Katherine “Dede” Deutsch Lorimer.  Following her father’s surgical training, the young family moved to Fort Worth, Texas where she was raised. A 1968 graduate of Texas Christian University, she earned a BS Degree in Elementary Education. In 1967, Lorrie met her future husband on a blind date through a long time friend. When Lorrie asked how she would know it was “David,” the good friend responded: “He has braces on his teeth.” After their marriage on August 20, 1973 she joined David in a teaching position at The Anglo American School in Stockholm, Sweden where they would live for two years. During that time they traveled throughout Europe, spending a great deal of time in Paris, as well as trips to Greece, Israel and Russia.

In 1981 they moved to Charlotte, NC where her husband continued his educational career, and Lorrie worked for a number of years before retiring from the coding department at the former Carolina Healthcare System. Any success her husband had in working with students was due in large part to her behind-the-scenes, unwavering support and encouragement. On at least two occasions she shared their home with students who were going through a difficult period.

Lorrie was a deeply loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished as well by a host of friends. She is survived by her husband, David; son, Edmund Sr. (Emily); daughter, Mary (David Jones) and three grandchildren: Edmund Ball Jr., Caty Van Ball, and Hank Ball. Lorrie leaves behind eight siblings: Bill Lorimer (Carolyn), Andy Lorimer, Doug Lorimer (Pat), Judy Lorimer Escher (Steve), Peggy Lorimer Booher (Jesse), Katy Lorimer Lomenick, Marynelle Lorimer Walley (Jim), Sam Lorimer (Mary), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Belk Chapel on the Queens University of Charlotte campus. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Fort Worth, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Well of Mercy, 181 Mercy Lane, Hamptonville, NC 27020, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.