Chester Ball

Chet Ball of Lunenburg died suddenly at home early Monday morning, Aug. 21, 2017 at the age of 61.

He was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire, on Oct. 20, 1955, one of eight children born to Donald A. and Molly Mae (Towle) Ball.  On May 23, 1975 he married Paula Sanborn. They had three children while living in southern New Hampshire before moving to Lunenburg, VT in 1989, where they raised their family in a crumbling old farmhouse.

Chet worked for over 25 years for Treeline Timber of Jefferson, NH, doing logging, maintenance and repair.  When he wasn’t at work, he could be found in his garage, tinkering on one of the many projects he was working on for family and friends.  He would never say no to anyone who needed a favor, and always had a garage full of things needing to be fixed.  He was a master repairman, who could fix anything from toasters and lawn mowers to giant logging equipment.  If he couldn’t find a solution to a problem, he would make one. His garage was full of handmade gadgets and tools.  When he wasn’t working on a project in the garage, it became the family hangout spot. The garage was the site of all of the family gatherings, cookouts, birthday parties, and holidays, and the weekly family gathering to watch the Patriots. Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners were served up in the garage, which was decorated for the season with festive lights.

Chet also enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family. Brook fishing and rabbit hunting were two of his favorite pastimes. At family gatherings, Chet would be found at his homemade rotisserie grill, cooking up brisket or a roast while he watched his grandchildren play in the mud.  In recent years, he worked every free moment on a small house for he and Paula to retire in.

He is survived by his wife Paula of 42 years, three children, and four grandchildren, all of Lunenburg: Chet Ball, and his daughter Lillian; Angie Marchetti and her husband Ryan, and sons Sam and Gabe; Joe Ball and his wife Phebe and daughter Lucianna. One surviving brother Donald Ball II and wife Cathy of Goffstown NH; sisters Linda Matheson and husband Bob of Gilman, Donna Simmons and husband Donnie of Junction, Texas, Sandy Neuman and Michael Smith of Lyndonville VT, Pam Johnson and husband Walt of Goffstown NH; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Chet was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Gerald, and a sister, Barbara.

Chet will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.  A celebration of his life will be held in his garage on Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 12-3 pm.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Paula and family at www.saylesfh.com.