To know Mary Beth was to love her.

Mary Elisabeth "Mary Beth" Ball, 37, was a world traveler. She was a collector of passport stamps, beautiful views, and hilarious stories. The world was Mary's playground and she lived every day like it was a new adventure. On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Mary made her last trip Earth-side, but we all know there is no stopping MB, her next adventure is just beginning.

Mary Beth called a lot of places home over the years, Big Springs TX, Greenville IL, Thomson IL, and Chicago IL. But to Mary Beth, Flemingsburg, Kentucky was where her heart belonged. After an 11-year career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Mary took a job with the Office of Inspector General under the Department of Justice as a Program Analysis. This change in career led her back home. And, over the last few years Mary Beth and her husband, Eric Ball, have poured their hearts into making the most beautiful life for their growing family.

Mary Beth never met a stranger and loved every person, dog, or donkey she ever met. She had a gift for putting a smile on everyone's face and loved with her whole heart. Over the years she rescued five dogs and was in the process to be a CASA Advocate. She was an Ordained Minister, a National Park junkie, a Dateline fanatic, and lover of Smore's. She believed in the healing power of a good friendship and a heartfelt card. Goodness, how she loved sending postcards from her worldly travels!

Of all the places and things Mary Beth did in her short life, Saturdays were her favorite. Swim lessons with her daughter Ophelia Noel, 20 months old, selling produce at the Farmers Market with her husband, throwing her hand up at the Stockyards, helping her dad on the farm. She had so much life and love to give.

Mary Beth was loved so deeply from the moment she was born on February 25, 1987, in Morehead, Kentucky to Kent and Barbara "Barb" Emmons Corbin, of Flemingsburg. She was the best big sister to Kendall and Christopher and was so proud of them. Growing up you could find her running wild with her cousins, at the Little League Park, helping at Corbin Equipment, or with a cattle halter in her hand. She loved playing mother hen to Chandler and Chance and was a proud DQ employee and member of the FFA.

She is survived by her husband of 3 years, Eric Ball; two daughters Ophelia Noel and Phoebe Elisabeth Ball; siblings Kendall Corbin (Carlos Rodriguez Lopez) and Christopher Corbin (Jiaqi); nephew Kai Corbin; mother and father-in-law Glenn and Bonnie Ball; brother and sister-in-law Brian and Lacie Ball and their children Makenzie and Elliot Ball; along with many family members and friends from around the world.

When Mary arrived in heaven, they threw the party of all parties. She was welcomed with open arms by her paternal grandparents Bobby and Nancy Corbin, maternal grandmother Marjorie Emmons, uncle Kevin "KK", aunt Kathy, and cousin John. Since her arrival, she's been cracking jokes with Jesus and getting showered with kisses from her beloved dogs Rita, Reba, and Ed.

We were so lucky to know her, love her, and be loved by her. Live your life like Mary- be brave, be kind, be adventurous. Hold on to the memories and never let her go.

A celebration of Mary Beth's life is being held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Flemingsburg Christian Church located at 201 East Water Street, Flemingsburg, Kentucky 41041.

In place of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Mary Beth. A scholarship fund has been set up for Ophelia and Phoebe at the Peoples Bank of Flemingsburg (P.O. Box 367 Flemingsburg KY 41041).