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Betty GRATTO Obituary
Betty was preceded in death by 'her darlin' and the love of her life, George W. Gratto, who was waiting for her with open arms when she was called to Heaven. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Effie and Ernst Hayzlip; and her brother, Alvin Haggard.
Betty retired from Fort Monroe and was an active member of Menchville Baptist Church where she volunteered in the office. She also helped with new moms and babies.
She greatly loved all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all of the four-legged grandkids that came into her life. She leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters, Cheryll Stead and husband, Terry, Michelle Smith and husband, Ronnie; grandchildren, Chris Stead and wife, Chrissy, Tara Stead, Jennifer Roberts and husband, Brian, and Cody Stead; and great-grandchildren, Trevor Stead and Haley Roberts; also left behind are her husband's children, Sheryll Roemer, Doreen Deskins, Carol Henderson and David Gratto.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2011, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Betty's life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, at Menchville Baptist Church, Newport News, Va., officiated by the Rev. Jim Weston. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Menchville Baptist Church, 248 Menchville Road, Newport News, VA 23602 or Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Betty GRATTO
Dena Buchanan
July 21, 2011
Shelly, Cheryl and family,
Your Mom was so special to me and everyone at St. James Place. Although I met Betty through work she was so much more than a co-worker. Betty was an advocate for the helpless and a fighter for what she believed to be right. When I think of her I think of strength. She was as tough as she was sweet. And she was very, very sweet. I’ve never met such an exceptionally kind person. She was intrinsically genuine with no ulterior motive except to help as many people as she could. I love her and I will miss her horribly.
Please know that I am here for you all with anything that I can help you with. My prayers are with you.
Mabel Jenkins
July 19, 2011
Dear Cheryll, Michelle, and Family:
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Cherish the lovely memories of your Mom. Miss Betty was a remarkable woman, very kind and thoughtful, with never an unkind word spoken. She will be deeply missed by the Saint James Community. With heartfelt condolences - we will forever keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mabel and Keith Jenkins
ruby gilbert
July 19, 2011
My deepest sympathy to each of you.
Ruby Gilbert
St. James Place
Sonny and Bernice Roscopf
July 18, 2011
We were sorry to hear of Betty's sudden death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know that through God's Infinite Wisdom and Love that He will give you added Strength, Comfort and Peace as only He can do during this time of separation from your loved one. "Absent from the body and present with the Lord." Betty was such a caring person and we too will miss her. Our deepest sympathy is with your family members. Sonny and
Bernice Roscopf
Sonny and Bernice Roscopf
July 18, 2011
We were sorry to hear of Betty's sudden death. Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. We know that through God's Infinite Wisdom and Love that He will give you added Strength, Comfort and Peace as only He can do during this time of separation from your loved one. "Absent
from the body and present with the Lord." She was such a caring person and we too will surely miss her. Our deepest sympathy is with each one of you. Sonny and Bernice Roscopf
Bill and Frances Carr
July 18, 2011
Our condolences go out to all of Betty's family and please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We, along with many others got to know the Gratto's through the Commonwealth Barbershop Chorus in Suffolk. She was a lovely lady and always enthusiastic and helpful with whatever our group was doing. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Russell Cate
July 18, 2011
I have so many fond memories of Gramma Gratto. Both her and George were "adopted" grandparents. She was one of the most caring, compassionate, and loving women I have ever met. We have so many fond memories of spending time with her and George while on family vacations in Virginia. I remember when I was 6 my one year old brother was hospitalized and she and George took my sister and I to the zoo for a day. Twenty four years later I still remember the wonderful time we had. She was close to my family and I know we'll miss her dearly.
The Denny Family
July 17, 2011
Betty and George were such amazing leaders and mentors at Menchville Baptist. It is very strange not to see her smiling face on Sunday morning and throughout the week. She has touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Joannie Gamby
July 17, 2011
betty i will miss you so much.i will miss our time together.i know you are happy with george and the lord.you can sing now all you want to.
Brian and Julie Allen
July 17, 2011
Our sincere condolences to Betty's family. We got to know Betty and George through George's participation in the Commonwealth Barbershop Chorus. She wsa a lovely lady and we know she is missed by friends and family.
Rickie Cate
July 17, 2011
We were saddened to hear of Betty's passing. She was one of the sweetest and kindest people we ever knew. To our children, she was a surrogate grandmother, and we loved her. Her advice and counsel were always sound.
Years ago, we almost lost our youngest child to a serious illness. Betty was there at the hospital when no one else came. Like a protecting angel, she stayed at our sides for two weeks until the danger had passed. Her faith, example and encouragement were like a rock to us during this time. Our family is certainly blessed for having known Betty and we will never forget her. We rest in the fact that she and George are together forever in a wonderful place.
May God bless her memory,
The Cate family,
Hugh, Rickie, Bonnie, Russell, and Wesley
Carol Masser
July 17, 2011
Praise God, Betty can breathe and sing in the presence of the Lord! I will miss her beautiful smile. Carol Masser
Sherri Perras
July 17, 2011
Betty was a beautiful lady inside and out. She will be greatly missed.
Sherri Cooper Perras
Megan Maskus
July 17, 2011
Betty was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She was such a blessing for me. She and I have become such good friends in the past 2 years, she was there for me when nobody else was. I love her so much. I'm so thankful she is breathing, again..with her love and Jesus.
Wallace and Carol Henderson
July 17, 2011
We are deeply saddened, but have many wonderful memories of Betty. She was a wonderful wife to my father and a kind friend to us. My first thoughts were that now they are together again.
Sherri Perras
July 17, 2011
Betty was such a lovely lady inside and out. She will be greatly missed.
Sherri Cooper Perras
Melanie McPherson
July 16, 2011
Betty and George were "surrogate grandparents" to my children when we lived in VA. They were a blessing to all of us. We will cherish our memories that we made with them. It's sad for us but it is a special moment for them rejoicing with their Lord whom they loved so much and will be singing in the Heavenly choir.
Bonnie Cate
July 16, 2011
So many wonderful memories of "Grammie." Such a wonderful, sweet person. I know that she is so happy to finally be with George again. Loved them both so very much.
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