Frances Excell Wooldridge Ballowe

“So many men, so little time.”  When you and your husband raise 5 boys, there is little time for much else.  Fran managed to corral those 5 boys who had a 17-year age range between the oldest and youngest, raising them on Perrymont Avenue.  Thank God for the playground across the street where they were active, happy, and entertained.  She also attended E. C. Glass HS, Madison College and later studied to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.  Her years nursing brought her many rewards and satisfaction working at Lynchburg General in the cardiac units.  She continued to volunteer at the hospital for many years after retirement.  It seemed somewhat fitting that her life ended on the same floor where she dedicated so many professional years.  There were still people working who remembered her service.

While raising the boys they spent many hours at Izaak Walton Lake, on ball fields, camping, and visiting with family.  She enjoyed line and square dancing, time at the pool, car rides throughout the area, canning her garden treasures, knitting or crocheting hats for newborns, and time with family.  Her grandchildren fondly remember hours of fun working puzzles, playing board games, walking in the woods and playing in the pool.  They always enjoyed her asking them to call her “Mary Jane” or “Francoise/Franswa” when she got tired of hearing “Mother” or “Grandmother” over and over.

Fran was born in Lynchburg, VA on May 18, 1927 to Excell Ammon and Carrie Robertson Wooldridge.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Richard Boatwright Ballowe, who died six weeks ago.  Also preceding her in death are her parents and 3 sisters and their spouses, Catherine Connelly (Hatcher), Evelyn Meade (Billy), and Marion Monaghan (John).   Her death at age 87 came on April 22, 2015.

She is survived by her 5 sons and their wives – Richard (Betsy); Steve (Tatyana); Ted (Sandie); Gary (Margery); & David (Angie).  Her greatest joys often came from her 19 grand and 10 great grandchildren – Trey (April), Tanya, & Rene; Steven, Mason, Kristina, & Mila; Erin & Katie; Emily (Benji), Charles, Laurin, & Hampton; Chris, Ryan, Mason, Kory, Kaytlyn, & Chris.  Her great grandchildren were Lydia, Kaleb, Meredith, Liam, Harrison, Kenzi, Brody, CJ, Lila, and Colson.

Many thanks are extended to Heritage Green Daybreak for their care and attention to Fran during the last year.  Her time there was safe and happy.

Those who remember & love Fran or her family are invited to celebrate her life on May 4 at 11 am at Tharp Funeral Home with family visitation one hour before the service.  Reverends Virgil and Sue Knipp from Memorial Christian Church will be officiating. Those wishing to honor Fran’s life can contribute to a charity of their choice.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.

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