Emily "Em" LeeAnn Ball

Emily LeeAnn Ball, 21, of Newark, died November 21, 2021 after a long battle with Ovarian Cancer. She was born October 10, 2000 in Newark, the daughter of Veronica (Rine) Porter and David Ball II. She graduated from Newark Digital Academy in 2019. Emily was a vibrant, courageous, artistic young lady who touched so many lives in her short time on this earth. At the age of 8 years old, Emily was diagnosed with ovarian cancer which is ultimately the disease that took her life 12 years later. She fought a fight against this evil disease like none ever seen before and throughout it all, she kept her strong will to fight and to LIVE. Even on her hardest days, she was ready to go make memories. We traveled near and far to destinations that allowed Em to 'live' right up until the end of her life. We marked off items, one by one, on her bucket list. Em left this earth knowing that "Emily's Entourage" was with her, supporting her, praying for her, and rooting her on. She taught all of us how to 'live' and how not to let any struggle in our life (big or small) stop us from achieving our dreams.

Emily was blessed to have medical professionals from The James/OSU throughout her fight that became more like friends/family. They have supported her throughout her battle and they never 'gave up on her'. We truly appreciate all that they did to fight right along with her. Dr. Backes will also hold a special place in our family's hearts. We thank her for her endless efforts to find any treatment that would help Em fight. Our family challenges each of you to make your bucket list, NOW! Do not wait until the end. And females, listen to your bodies. TRUST your gut. If something doesn't 'feel right', no matter what age, push for testing. Emily's battle has proven that ovarian cancer does not discriminate based on age.

Emily is survived by her mother and stepfather, Veronica (Chad) of Newark; her "Bubby", Jake Johnson (Megan Frye) of Newark; brothers, David Ball III and Christopher Toomey, and her sister Mindy Ball. She also leaves her maternal grandparents, Cheryl and Paul Maxhimer of Moxahala; step grandparents, Faye and Tony Bush of Bladensburg; step grandfather, Tommy Porter of Newark, and a very special Aunt & Uncle who were more like her second parents, Lori and Mark Davis; uncle, David Maher; and her special cousins, Kaleb Davis, Amara (Quill) Maher, and Salesta Crouse. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Aubrey, Parker, Brayden and Maddie; close friends, Carly Alexander and Naomi Nichols of Newark and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceded in death by paternal grandmother, Carol (Ramsey) McClain; maternal great grandparents, Elwood and Emily Jane Davis, and maternal uncle, Ray Maher.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Emily on Monday, November 29, 2021 from 5-8pm at The Rusty River Barn, 4441 Johnstown-Utica Rd. NE (State Rt. 62) Utica, OH 43080.

The family asks that you consider donations to Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Ohio at ocao.org OR, the Angel Works organization at myangelworks.org or, any other cancer or childhood cancer organization in Emily’s honor in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made online at the organization’s website.

Funeral arrangements under the care of Cotner Funeral Home.

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