Mary-Kathryn Ball, 40, of University City, MO, was born December 27, 1975.  She passed away unexpectedly after the sudden onset of tragic illness on September 22, 2016.  She will be remembered as a generous, beautiful, and caring woman who was known for her willingness to drop everything and be there for friends and family when they needed her.

She grew up in Johnsburg and attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School and then Johnsburg High School, where she was a cheerleader, student council member, and chorus member.  With her winning spirit and powerful presence, she found a home in the theater and loved being involved in the school's drama club productions.

Katie had a skill set anyone would envy.  She had the analytical mind of a mathematician paired with the ability to talk to anyone.  She was practical and organized, but loving and fun, and people would proudly call her a friend after knowing her for just a day.  Katie majored in Fashion Merchandising, first at Ball State University and then at Iowa State University, and displayed her Cyclone pride on her familiar red Jeep Wrangler.

After graduating from Iowa State in 1998, Katie found her calling as an athletic footwear buyer at many retailers nationwide, most recently Famous Footwear in St. Louis, Missouri.  However, she was always a 'Chicago' girl at heart and, risk taker that she was, wore a Cubs hat when she attended Cardinals games.

Katie loved an adventure and never shied away from a new experience.  She smiled at you like you were the most important person in the world, and laughed like someone who didn't mind getting in just a little bit of trouble. Katie was happy to share her opinion and advice with those closest to her, especially if shoes were concerned.

Katie was also an excellent listener and confidante to her many friends.  She lived in many different cities around the country, but remained steadfastly close with her parents, brothers, sister-in-law, and nephews.  To know her is to know that she valued family above anything else.

Kate is survived by her parents, John and Stephanie Ball; brother, Todd Newton; sister-in-law, Karla Newton; brother, Joe Ball; and two nephews, Jack and Max Newton.  She will be missed by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends around the country and was a cheerful and beloved 'Auntie' to many of her friends' children.

We all are comforted by the fact that Katie's spirit will have a constant presence in our lives through the many happy memories, photos we keep with her iconic, beaming smile, and we will especially know it's her when we feel a nagging hesitation if we are ever about to purchase an ugly pair of shoes.

The visitation for Katie will be Sunday, October 2, from 3-7 p.m., at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Katie's life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 3, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2302 Church St., Johnsburg.  Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Katie's name may be made to the Two Ten Foundation, 1466 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451, 800-346-3210, or www.TwoTen.org .