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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
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Dawna Sturges Obituary
July 13, 1945 - February 13, 2025
Dawna Lea Sturges, 79, of Ruckersville, Virginia, passed away on February 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease dementia.
Born on July 13, 1945, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Dawna grew up in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, where she learned how to exemplify a strong work ethic. She graduated from Penn Commercial College and embarked on a distinguished 30-year with the CIA as an administrative assistant and development coach as well as taught preschool in between her times at the CIA. She served her country around the world in Switzerland, Madagascar, Jordan and Pakistan.
Beyond her professional life, Dawna was a devoted church member at Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, Virginia, and then First Baptist Park Street in Charlottesville, Virginia. She found joy in teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, imparting her faith in Jesus Christ to hundreds of children as well as serving the homeless in the church soup kitchen. In her community, she enjoyed participating in the Spotswood Trail Garden Club and the Greene County Adopt-A-Highway program.
Dawna is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ray; sons, Paul (Lisa), and Mark (Stephanie); grandchildren, Maria, Reagan, Farrah, Ryan, Luke and Payson; sisters, Zee Del Fiugo, Martha (Paul) Rudy and Judy Douglas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other family members. Her love for others will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by parents, Wilbert and Ferne Patterson Brand; stepmother, Amanda Miller Brand; sister, Geneva Blankenhorn; and brother-in-law, John Del Fiugo.
Family and friends will gather for a viewing at Hill & Wood Funeral Service, 201 N. First Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902, on March 6, 2025, at 10 followed by a 12 p.m. memorial service and reception at First Baptist Park Street, 735 Park St., Charlottesville, Virginia 22902. Family burial services will be held at the Quantico National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to First Baptist Church Park Street with a designation to "Vacation Bible School".
Condolences may be shared on the tribute wall at www.hillandwood.com.
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Memorial Events
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Mar
6
Viewing
10:00 a.m.
Hill & Wood Funeral Service - Charlottesville201 N. First Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
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Hill & Wood Funeral Service - Charlottesville201 N. First Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
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