Frances Lee Ball, age 81, of Whitley City, Kentucky, passed away January 31, 2026.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home, with Bro. Eddie King officiating. Burial followed in Bethel Cemetery.

Born on October 15, 1944, in Somerset, Kentucky, Fran was the daughter of the late Donald Ross and Zelma Lee Foster Ross. She was a devoted member of First Hickory Grove United Baptist Church, where her faith and love for the Lord were central to her life.

Fran had a gentle spirit and a creative heart. She found great joy in painting and expressed herself beautifully through her artwork. She also loved her cats dearly and enjoyed spending time caring for them. Active and energetic, Fran proudly participated in the Senior Olympics, where she played badminton. Among her favorite things were attending church and painting—both reflections of her devotion and creativity.

In addition to her parents, Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Wayne Ball; her brothers, Gerald Ross and Bob Ross; and her sister, Janice Ball.

She is survived by her loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of friends who will fondly remember her kindness, quiet strength, and warm presence.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home was honored to serve the family of Frances Lee Ball.