Barbara DonNell (Donnie) Bracken Balls

Barbara DonNell (Donnie) Bracken Balls passed away peacefully with family around her on September 15, 2023, in her home in Orem Utah at the age of 99 years and eight months. She outlived even her mother who was 96 at her passing.

Donnie was born on December 8, 1923, in Logan Utah to Aaron Francis Bracken and Mary LaVern Miller. She married Delwin (Del) Dale Balls from Brigham City Utah on September 19, 1946, in Logan Utah. Del preceded Donnie in death on December 6, 2005, at the age of 81. 

As a child Donnie lived in Logan and Nephi Utah.  During World War II Donnie drove a forklift loading railroad box cars with supplies heading to troops in the Pacific theater.  She received a BS degree in Home Economics from Utah State University in Logan Utah in 1947.

She and Del moved to Wheat Ridge Colorado in 1952 then Arvada Colorado. In 1973 they moved to Midland Michigan. They lived in Midland until Del’s passing after which Donnie moved to Orem Utah until her recent passing. Donnie and Del were avid outdoorsmen spending as much time as they could with family and friends camping, hiking, fishing and rockhounding. 

Donnie raised one daughter, Celeste, and three sons, Roger, Kreig and youngest son Scott. Both Roger and Kreig preceded her in death. Donnie is survived by Celeste (Philip) Crockett and Scott (Margaret) Ball along with nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday morning September 23, 2023, at the LDS church at 90 North 600 West Orem UT including a viewing from 9:30-10:30 am, the funeral from 11:00am-12:00pm, and a family luncheon after the funeral. 

Donnie will be interred alongside Del and their son Roger in the Brigham City Utah Cemetery. 

The family would like to thank loved ones, dear friends, church members, and Canyon Home Care & Hospice for their loving care and service to Donnie. 

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend in person, you may view the Services HERE