Kathy (Ball) Faries passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on May 17, 1955, in Madison, WV, she lived a simple, intentional, and purposeful life, bringing joy and warmth to everyone around her. To those who knew and loved her, she was affectionately known as "Boojer"—a special nickname given to her by her dear niece Sydney, who lovingly mispronounced her name as a two-year-old. Kathy uniquely shared her May 17th birthday with her niece Sophia, whom she even helped bring into the world.

Kathy dedicated 20 years of her life working as a coal miner. During those years, she mastered nearly every role underground, working as a continuous mine operator, section mine foreman, shot firer, roof bolt operator, shuttle car operator, scoop operator, brattice worker, belt worker, and loading machine operator. She was deeply respected and adored by all the miners she worked alongside, and she loved them fiercely in return. Kathy knew firsthand the deep sorrows of the mines, surviving a devastating roof drop that claimed the life of a close friend and nearly took her own. Yet, the mines also brought her joy; it was while working underground at Marrowbone Development in Naugatuck, WV, in 1994, that she met her future husband and teammate through life, Donald Faires.

Outside of her hard work, Kathy experienced her greatest happiness in giving to others. She poured her heart and soul into loving and caring for her two precious dogs, Baby Girl and Bentley, who miss her dearly. Above all, her generosity shone brightest through the deep love she showered upon her family and friends. She loved all of nature's creatures, from the minnows she fed in the creek that flowed on her property to not wanting to harm even a spider.

She is survived by her loving siblings: Jackie Rogers Miller (Bobby), Danny Ball (Teresa), Stephanie Waters, Randy Ball Captain USAF Ret. (Janice), and Renae White. She also leaves behind her cherished nieces and nephews: Sydney Davis (Andrew), Cassie Ball, Jaxson Miller, Gage Miller, Sophia Waters, Timmy Jarrell, Tabitha Hall, James Ball, and Mitchell Tewksbury; and a host of extended great-nieces and great-nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Faries; her parents, Ronnie Steve and Nina Ball; her brother, Gary Ball; and her brother-in-law, Ronald Waters.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Adina Bowe for her compassion and sincere dedication to Kathy's well-being. We also extend a special thank you to the nurses of Dignity Hospice for the kindness, gentle care, and comfort they provided to our dear sister during her final days. In Boojer's words, to all of you we say, “Thank you, kindly!”

Freeman Funeral Home, Chapmanville, WV is in charge of the arrangements.