Donna “Gayle” Ball

A service will be held at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills on Saturday, January 24 at 12:30 pm, with a reception immediately following at The Smoke House. Please let a family member know if you will be attending.

A Life of Heart and Home: Remembering Donna Gayle Moddemeyer Ball

The story of Gayle’s life began on a winter day in Vancouver, Washington—February 13, 1949. Born to William and Shirley Moddemeyer, Gayle’s childhood was a series of changes, starting with her name. Shortly after bringing her home from the hospital, Shirley decided that her daughter didn't "look like a Donna," and with that, decided to call her by her middle name, Gayle. With a father in the gasoline industry, Gayle, her sisters Carolyn and Wendy, and her brother Steve moved frequently throughout the Pacific Northwest, eventually settling in Seattle, Washington. 

In the late 1960s, Gayle loaded up her Pontiac and headed South, trading the Seattle rain for the golden sun of California. It was there, in September 1971, that a roommate’s suggestion changed the course of her life. The introduction to a young man named John Ball became the stuff of family legend: a bottle of Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill wine, a ride in a Porsche, and an immediate connection. They were married on September 9, 1972, beginning a journey that would span 53 years.

Building a Foundation

Their early years as newlyweds were spent in the hills of Studio City, filled with laughter and a bit of playful mischief. On the nights John and his friends played tennis, Gayle would serve up a "heavy" spaghetti dinner—part of a secret pact among the wives to ensure their husbands felt just a little too sluggish to be overly competitive on the court. While the husbands were none the wiser, Gayle's kids eventually became the true beneficiaries, growing up on Gayle’s famous spaghetti and cheese bread.

The family grew quickly. In February 1976, Taylor arrived, followed by Griffin in January 1978. Gayle often joked that Taylor wasn't a baby for long; he was sharp and grew up fast, necessitating a move to the Glendale home where so many memories would be made. As her boys grew, Gayle found her calling outside the home as well, teaching preschool once they reached school age. She had a profound love for the magic of early childhood, finding genuine joy in watching young minds and skills bloom.

Completing the Circle - Just as John thought they were settling into a predictable rhythm, Gayle decided their family wasn't quite complete. When John cautioned that there was no guarantee of a girl, Gayle simply smiled and said, “We’ll just have to wait and see.” In January 1986, her intuition was rewarded with the birth of their daughter, Regan.

Gayle’s devotion to her children was absolute, particularly when it came to their education. Seeing it as a "non-negotiable," she encouraged her children toward the degrees she had regretted not finishing herself. She beamed with pride as all three graduated college, eventually watching Taylor achieve his law degree and Regan her Masters. Whether she was running the "Shamrock Shop" at Chandler School, serving as a room mom, cheering at Griffin’s basketball games, or applauding at Taylor’s musicals, Gayle was the heartbeat of their extracurricular lives.

A Legacy of Love Life with Gayle was full—of travel to Mexico, Europe, and Bora Bora, summers in Carpinteria and the Sacramento Delta, a house overflowing with beloved pets, and eventually, the joy of six grandchildren: Logan, Elliott, Josie, Pepper, Marin, and Loretta. To them, she was a woman of many titles—Grandma, Baba, and GG—and to all of them, she was a source of unconditional warmth. She made sure her children never had to wonder if they were loved; they simply knew.

Though health challenges slowed her pace in later years, Gayle’s spirit remained generous until the very end. Even passing just before Christmas, she managed one last act of love: her signature "Mrs. Claus" pajamas were found tucked under the trees, ready for Christmas Eve. It was a final, tangible hug for the family she adored.

Gayle is now free from pain, leaving behind a love that will never fade. The family wishes to thank you for the years of friendship and for the support that sustains them now.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider donating to some of Gayle’s favorite organizations - The Chandler School or St. Jude’s Hospital.