Hettie Alice Bridger (nee Brust), 94, passed on January 31, 2022 at Barathaven Memory Care in Dardenne Prairie, MO where she had been a resident for the past 8 months. Hettie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Bill Bridger, who passed in December, 2014. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Patricia (Gentry) Parillo, Florida.
Hettie was born in Brookland, AR on December 28, 1927 to Jess Brust and Zora (Maynard) Brust. Hettie grew up on her parent's cotton farm outside of Brookland and talked many times about the grueling, back-breaking hours spent in the cotton fields. After graduation and prior to marriage, Hettie was employed as a secretary for the Boy Scouts of America in Jonesboro, AR. After marriage and children, Hettie was a homemaker, seamstress, chauffeur and peacemaker. Hettie's family was the core of her heart and soul. Because of her quiet, kind, humble demeanor, it was unrealized to her that she was the anchor of her family and a wonderful role model.
Mr. & Mrs. Bridger were members of the Cave Springs United Methodist Church in Roanoke, VA where they had lived since the early 1970's.
Mrs. Bridger is survived by her four children, Barbara Bridger, Jeffersonville, IN; Brenda Willingham, Dardenne Prairie, MO; Jim Bridger, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and Darin Bridger and wife Tami, Blue Ridge, VA. Five grandchildren: Sondra Crowe and Denise Gentry, Indiana; Tara Willingham Patterson and husband Scott, O'Fallon, MO; Shannon Willingham and his wife Kristen; Ballwin, MO; and Bradley Bridger, Columbia, S.C. Also, a number of great grandchildren survive. Hettie is also survived by one remaining sibling, Maxine Summers, Groton, CT.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in Roanoke, VA.