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 with location to be determined.

Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA.