Anna Ruth Brabson

Anna Ruth Brabson, age 87 of Dayton, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021. She was born on August 14, 1934 in Huntington, West Virginia to the late Charles and Daisy Sowards. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Brabson, Sr.; son, Billy Joe Stevens; and sisters Sharon Johnston, Eloise Fillinger, Lorilea Roten, Helen Sowards, Emma Lou McCoy and Pat Johnson.

Anna is survived by her three sons, Jim (Anita) Brabson, Dave (Dawn) Brabson, Doug (Glenna) Brabson; eight grandchildren (James, Daniel, Elisabeth, Kathleen, Michael, Cristina, Brian and Chloe); thirteen great-grandchildren (Josiah, Benjamin, Jonas, Clayton, Alethea, Micah, Alayna, Hannah, Eliana, Lily, Silas, Emery, and Ella); and best friend, Linda Dyer. She is also survived by an enormous amount of family and friends.

As a single mom raising her son, Billy, Anna worked as Personnel Manager in a retail store in Huntington, WV where she first met Jim. Years later, Jim, a widower with three teenage sons himself, proposed to Anna, and they were married in September, 1973. Over time, Anna came to love Jim's boys as her own. Jim and Anna built a loving, happy life together; and, after his death, she continued as "Mom", faithfully loving her sons and their wives and generously spoiling the grandkids and great grandkids. Her love for family was unconditional, never expecting anything in return and always believing the very best of each one.

Anna enjoyed several hobbies over time including bowling in a league, jewelry beading (often done on a weekly basis with friends), as well as knitting and crocheting. Many friends and family members have enjoyed receiving her handmade gifts of bracelets, blankets, doll clothes, and dish cloths.

Anna was also career-minded, enjoying working outside of the home. She first worked for Fox Cleaners after moving to Dayton. Then she was employed for many years as Office Manager at Miami Valley Rainsoft where she was considered by her employer to be the "heart and soul" of their water conditioning business. Anna was always exceptionally friendly, trustworthy, and helpful, willing to go the extra mile for others.

Jim and Anna gave their family and friends wonderful memories both at home and traveling on vacations and trips together. Anna loved people. She, in return, is well-loved and will be missed by many.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 PM on Monday, November 1, 2021, at Newcomer Funeral Home, Kettering Chapel. Visitation two hours prior from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment will be at David's Cemetery, 4600 Mad River Rd. in Dayton.

To join the service via livestream, please click the following link: Service Livestream