Virginia M. Stratton, age 84, of Independence, MO, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2013 at Carmel Hills Living Center in Independence, MO. She was born September 25, 1929, in Springfield, MO, to Finis and Mary (Stafford) Thomas. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. She was united in marriage to Charles Wesley Stratton on September 4, 1967. Virginia worked as the head cook at Hamby’s Steak House for twenty-nine years, where she was known for her fried chicken. She later worked at the Heritage Cafeteria for fourteen years. She enjoyed reading and crocheting.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Wesley Stratton; her parents
Finis and Mary ” Nan” Thomas; one son, Richard Barker; one sister, Lucille Wise; two brothers, Robert Thomas and Kenneth Underwood. She is survived by one daughter, Debbie Peterson and husband Wayne of Independence, MO; one granddaughter, Dylan Peterson of Independence, MO; and a host of family and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 30, 2013, at Springfield National Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Memorial contributions may be made to the Susquehanna Baptist Church Outreach Fund in care of the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.