Zula Chesnut

Zula Blanche Chesnut, age 82, formerly of McDowell and Staunton, VA, was received into the arms of Jesus her Savior on June 17, 2023, after a long illness.

Following the death of her parents, Mrs. Chesnut lived on the farm of Mr./Mrs. E. M. Lockridge of McDowell, VA, where she learned to care for animals, tend plants, and the value of hard work and determination. She married Charles Ralston, Jr. in 1962 and gave birth to their daughter Peggy in 1963. For more than twenty years, Mrs. Chesnut was employed by Aileen, Inc. in Monterey, VA, where she performed the most detailed and challenging tasks with grace and precision. Later, she provided housekeeping services for many families in Staunton and Augusta County and cared for many young children and elderly adults with loving compassion.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Chesnut enjoyed dancing, music/singing, gardening, cooking, baking, and caring for many precious pets, including her beloved cat, Puss, a constant companion for more than twenty years. She enjoyed tending her flowers, including irises, azaleas, mums, sunflowers, and roses. She always maintained bird baths and feeders, earning her backyard the title “The Flying Feather Resort and Spa”. If there was a stray cat, she would feed it. If something was broken, she repaired it. If someone was in need, she shared unselfishly the gifts and blessings God gave her. By far, her greatest joy was nurturing and loving her daughter Peggy with sacrificial and boundless love that only a mother can give.

Mrs. Chesnut was preceded in death by her parents, Felix Moats and Laura Bodkin Moats; three brothers, George, Stuart, and Samuel Moats; three sisters, Bertha Bodkin, Effie Lewis, and Catherine Leach; a half-brother, Clarence Moats; and three half-sisters, Mary, Leafy, and Virginia Moats.

Mrs. Chesnut is survived by her daughter Peggy and son-in-law Philip Gross of Richmond, VA; a sister, Mary Nazelrodt of Petersburg, WV; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and Earl Hamilton, a devoted friend of more than 25 years. She is survived also by her Christian brothers and sisters of Heaven’s Golden Gates Church of Staunton, VA, with whom she worshiped and enjoyed Christian fellowship for many years.

A funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023 at Obaugh Funeral Home with the Rev. Golden Clark officiating. Burial will follow in Headwaters Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be friends in attendance.

Mrs. Chesnut’s family will receive visitors, 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 22^nd at Obaugh Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heaven’s Golden Gates Church, 823 Richmond Road, Suite 6, Staunton, VA 24401, or Highland County Humane Society, PO Box 458 Monterey VA 24465.