Monterey, CA

It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of Rana Applegate Ball. She was born in Indianapolis, IN, to Robert M. Applegate and Niola B. Applegate and died peacefully at the age of 88.

Rana was a devoted wife to her husband, Prof Robert E. Ball. It was love at first sight when the two passed each other in the hall at Howe High School in their hometown of Indianapolis. The high school sweethearts became newlyweds three years later, on September 2nd, 1956. A new career opportunity for her husband brought their growing family to Southern California in 1962 and eventually to Monterey when he accepted a teaching position at the Naval Postgraduate School in 1967.

Rana devoted herself to family. She was a member of the DAR and a past member of the Pink Ladies volunteer organization at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. She had a passion for home decorating and crafts and took great joy in sharing family recipes.

Rana is survived by Robert, her husband of 68 years; two children, Robert E. (Janet) Ball, Jr., and Susan (Jim) Culcasi; her five grandchildren, Fiona (Dylan) Crary, Chris Culcasi, Jonathan Culcasi, Robert E Ball III, and Michael Culcasi; her great-granddaughter Maisy Crary.

"She loved us, and we loved her."