Monte Lee Ball, 81, passed away Sunday, August 8, 2021, at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska. He was born May 28, 1940, in Sheridan, Wyoming to Walter J. and Beulah M. (Robinson) Ball.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Monte became a collector of experiences and treasures. He taught himself to play guitar and write songs. Never without a cup of coffee or a hand-rolled cigarette, young Monte traveled with the circus as an elephant handler, worked in the mines in South Dakota, and trapped mink and beaver in the Western Nebraska Sandhills. He enjoyed camping, fishing, panning for gold, and finding treasures with his metal detectors. He collected vintage bottles, antique tools, and wounded animals. We often brought home birds, ducks, kittens, turtles, and even snakes for rehabilitation and a little TLC.
Later in life, Monte began researching family history and became fascinated with his Celtic ancestry. He avidly read books on Irish history, listened to Celtic music, and studied Irish castles.
Monte is survived by his sisters, Judy Berry of North Platte, NE and Karen (Richard) Greenly of Douglas, WY, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance.
Memorials may be sent to Disabled American Veterans.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com