Virginia Ruth Bratcher
September 20, 1919 - August 29, 2020

I first want to say what a loss we have had in our community. Since taking my grandmother in due to the early death of my mother, I never imagined how many lives Virginia would touch. She was always my rock and it brings me so much joy to know how much love and laughter she received during her life and for this, I thank you all. 

Virginia Ruth Bratcher was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 20, 1919, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother joined the Lord on August 29, 2020. This spunky woman just weeks away from her 101st birthday always believed she was in her 80s. This reflected a lot in her personality, leaving a lasting impression on whoever she met. A lover of dance and song she would strike up a tune with anyone willing to do so. Being such a flirt Virginia brought so much joy and laughter to her days at the Senior Center and her home at Timber Ridge Eureka. Since her memory “wasn’t like it used to be,” she would come up with some crazy stories that kept us highly entertained. Raised on a farm, Virginia knew that hard work and being happy were key aspects to a long life.

She was born to Emma and Homer Freeman, sibling to two older brothers, Kenny and Howard and one younger sister, Dorothy. She grew up loving baseball, with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” being one of her favorite tunes. Growing up during the Great Depression, Virginia was known for never letting things go to waste, Many may remember her pocketing treasures found on the ground and always having an explanation as to what it could be used for.

After marrying the love of her life, Jim Bratcher, they moved from Ohio to Monroe, Michigan, where they welcomed their daughter JoAnn into their lives in 1944. Shortly after they moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where they built cottages for the snow bunnies, and maintained them as income. They were avid members of Allendale Methodist Church. Her time in Florida consisted of many trips to Sawgrass Lake, the beach, and her weekly lunch-bunch outings. She had also embarked on national and global travels, visiting all 50 U.S. States.

Making it just short of 101, anyone who knew Virginia would comment on her unshakable positive outlooks on life, and steady faith in the Lord. If you were to ask how she was doing, her trademark response was, “I’m fit as a fiddle and ready for love.” Virginia emanated joy and positivity, and was an active member of all her communities. In her later years she moved to Arcata to be with her granddaughter, Tara Lee Cooper, and family. We wish to thank Timber Ridge Eureka and the PACE program for their love and support.

Virginia lives on through her beloved granddaughter, Tara, and two great-granddaughters Kai Cooper and Madison Cooper.

No memorial events are currently scheduled due to Covid. In lieu of flowers, any contribution to the family’s GoFundMe page — Virginia Bratcher’s Memorial Fund (gf.me/u/yz8v57) will help towards her last burial wishes; resting next to the love of her life, Jim at Memorial Park in St. Petersburg, Florida.

###