Viola Bernadine Ralston

Viola Bernadine Ralston, age 85 of Blue Ridge, passed away October 1, 2014. Mrs. Ralston was born July 6, 1929 in Mineral Bluff, GA to the late Sylvester Heaton and the late Jessie Nichols Heaton. She was a member of the Blue Ridge Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, brothers, Kell Heaton and Doug Heaton, Sr., and sisters, Pauline Hardee and Yvonne Heaton.

She was a member the of inaugural class of the Fannin Co. Sports Hall of Fame. She enjoyed her women's Bible study group, spending time with the children and grandchildren, crocheting and giving a home to stray dogs. She worked in Physical and Respiratory Therapy Departments at the hospitals in Ellijay and Blairsville. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be remembered as one of the best basketball players in Fannin County.

She is survived by her husband, John Winston Ralston, son, Scott (Claudia) Ralston, daughter, Carole (Randy) Tipton, daughter, Elizabeth (Carol Orndorff) Ralston, grandchildren, Chad Ralston, Summer Ralston, Makenzie Ralston, Lori (Conrad) MacArthur, Caleb (Keisha) Holloway, Darby White, great grandchildren, John Conrad MacArthur and Isabella Holloway, brothers, A J Heaton, and Gerald Heaton, brother-in-law, Jim Hardee, as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 3:00 pm at Fannin County Middle School.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Hospice Atlanta Center 5775 Glenridge Dr. Ste E200 Atlanta, GA 30328 vnhs.org or Humane Society of Blue Ridge PO Box 2126 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 humanesocietyofblueridge.org in her memory.

Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.