Frances P. Lee
Frances Lee, 90, of Catawba, Virginia, died peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, August 16, 2026. She was welcomed home by her heavenly father and family who preceded her in death: son, Robert Lee; parents, Claiborne and Mary Peery; in-laws, Ralph and Iva Lee; brother and sister-in-law, Gilbert and Janet Peery; brother-in-law, Todd Falls; and brother-in-law, Jerry Riddleberger.
Left to cherish her memories are her loving husband of 69 years, Vernon Lee; daughter, Becky Richardson (CK); sisters, Clara Falls, Bonnie Cox (Lynwood), and Martha Riddleberger (David); sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Iris and Richard Naff; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was a retired farmer, store clerk, Elizabeth Arden contractor, and a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. Frances was a loving wife and mother, who unselfishly supported her family 24/7/365. She met the love of her life at church. It was definitely true love because their dates often included Frances’ sisters. However, this did not deter Vernon, and the romance continued. After marrying, Frances and Vernon navigated the good and the bad times together for 69 years raising their family and running the family farm. Being raised on a dairy farm and then marrying into another, Frances worked long, hard days alongside Vernon and Robert before going to her “outside “ job. She stayed abreast of the latest Catawba Valley news working at Minor and June Keffer’s store. Frequent customers stopped in, had a soda and snack; and shared the daily news. Frances cherished the friendships developed with these customers over the years.
While her family and friends will miss her, we find solace knowing she is now healed and enjoying the eternal life promised to all that believe in Jesus. We are grateful for the time we shared with her and look forward to the time when we are reunited in heaven.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Good Samaritan Hospice for their unwavering support to Frances and the family for 15 months. There have been numerous Good Sam employees who participated in Frances’ excellent care, but the family offers a special thanks to her primary care team – Chasity and Brittany.
If you wish to honor Frances’ memory, the family requests you consider a donation to Good Samaritan Hospice, 4751 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24017, and add Frances Lee to the memo line. Good Sam was a blessing to the entire family during Frances’ illness.
The family will receive friends from 10:30am – 12:00pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Simpson Funeral Home (Peters Creek). A Chapel Service at the funeral home will follow at 12:00pm, with Reverend Darrell Naff officiating. Burial will take place at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.
