Hugh Merion Ralston

HUGH M. RALSTON STAUNTON, VA Hugh Merion Ralston, 80, husband of Sarah Frances (Ambler) Ralston, of Staunton, died Monday, December 16, 2013, at the University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville. He was born July 19, 1933, in Staunton, a son of the late Hugh Worthington and Catherine Eleanor (Withers) Ralston. Mr. Ralston was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Prior to retirement, he was employed by the Staunton Fire Department with 25 years of service. He also worked part-time at Reid's Grocery and the Augusta County Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church. In addition to his wife, family members include a daughter and son-in-law, Myra and Roscoe Botkin, Jr.; two grandsons, Christopher Cary and Christopher Botkin; a brother, John D. Ralston, all of Staunton; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lee Pollard. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2013, in the Henry Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Dr. Philip Sommer. Burial will follow in Augusta Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Kenneth LaPorte, Robert Law, Christopher Cary, Christopher Botkin, Samuel Richardson, and Roger Eagle. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2013, in the funeral home and other times at the residence. Memorials may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, 21st Century Renovation, 563 Bethel Green Road, Staunton, VA 24401, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to a charity of your choice.