Sandra Bratton

Sandra Jean Bratton, 75, wife of William “Bill” Bratton, of Warm Springs, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2018 at University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville.  She was born September 14, 1942 in Crabbottom, VA (Blue Grass), a daughter of the late Leonard Harper and Virginia (Wimer) Hammer.

Mrs. Bratton was a graduate of Monterey High School, as well as Madison College.  Following her education, she went on to teach high school business classes in both Virginia and Colorado.  After 6 years of teaching Sandra transitioned into social work and would remain in that career until her retirement. Ultimately, she became the director of Highland County Department of Social Services and will be fondly remembered by the countless families she helped during her time there.

A sweet, kind and thoughtful lady with a strong faith, Sandra was a person who would help anyone in need and spread her light and smile wherever she went. She was a member of Warm Springs Presbyterian Church and devoted many hours volunteering there, as she did the Bolar Ruritan Club and many other groups in her communities.   Additionally, she enjoyed listening to John Denver while writing letters of encouragement to her many friends.

Her love for birds led her to become a founding member of the Bath-Highland Bird Club. She regularly placed bluebird boxes along U.S. 220 in Bath and Highland counties, and made it a tradition to give each Maple Queen their own personalized box.  She was also a member of the Hot Springs Garden Club, and like the bluebird boxes, enjoyed planting daffodil bulbs along 220 for travelers to enjoy.  Sandra also loved being in nature and that love of nature would most oftentimes lead her to adventures in Laurel Fork and Sapling Ridge, two of her favorite places.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bratton was predeceased by her sister Betty Hogshead and husband, Charlie.

Surviving family members include her loving husband of 48 years; daughters, Shawna Bratton of Staunton and Shelley Bratton Thomas and husband, Jed of Bolar; grandchildren, Will Thomas and Carly Thomas; nephew, George Hogshead and wife, Kathy of McDowell; as well as great nieces and numerous cousins.

A memorial service will be conducted 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Word of Faith Church in Monterey with the Rev. Charles Reed officiating.  A committal service will follow in Blue Grass Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at Obaugh Funeral Home, as well as during a meal of fellowship following the committal service at the Blue Grass Ruritan Club.

Friends and family in attendance will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorial donations may be made to Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 268, Monterey, VA 24465 or the Hot Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box N, Hot Springs, VA 24445.

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