Ann Ball


Ann Ervin Bolton Ball was a Catholic author, who wrote several books on Catholic Saints, history, and culture.

Life and career

Ball was born in 1944, a daughter of Ora Louise and Julian Bolton. She graduated Jacksonville High School in 1962 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston.
Throughout her career, Ball held a variety of jobs, working as an author, school teacher, private investigator and operator for a security company. Following her workday, Ball would then author books on Catholicism, ranging from spirituality to history. She held a special interest in Hispanic Catholicism, especially regarding the life of Miguel Pro, who she authored a book on. Ball wrote that she was especially inspired by Pope John Paul II, who she considered a hero for acting on the calls of the Second Vatican Council.
She died from a heart attack on June 8, 2008, in Houston, Texas, survived by her two sons, a daughter, and eight grandchildren.

Selected bibliography

  • Modern Saints: Their Lives and Faces. Vol. 1.
  • A Litany of Mary.
  • Holy Names of Jesus.
  • The Persecuted Church.
  • Modern Saints: Their Lives and Faces Vol. 2.
  • A Litany of Saints.
  • A Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals.
  • Catholic Traditions in Cooking.
  • Catholic Book of the Dead.
  • Blessed Miguel Pro: 20th Century Mexican Martyr.
  • Catholic Traditions in Crafts.
  • Catholic Traditions in the Garden.
  • Faces of Holiness: Modern Saints in Photos and Words.
  • A Saint for Your Name: Saints for Girls. revision of the work by Albert J. Nevins, M.M.
  • A Saint for Your Name: Saints for Boys. revision of the work by Albert J. Nevins, M.M.
  • Faces of Holiness: Modern Saints in Photos and Words vol. 2.
  • The Saints Guide to Joy and Laughter.
  • Prayers for Prisoners. with Max, S.F.O.
  • Encyclopedia of Catholic Devotion and Practices.
  • Young Faces of Holiness.
  • OSV's Catholic Encyclopedia for Children.