Bertha Marie White Brugh, 73, of Buchanan, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Fringer White and Lois White Keith, and her step-father, Dewey Keith.
Bertha’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and community. She married her sweetheart, James “Jimmy” Brugh, and together they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage, having been sweethearts for 58 years. Their love story was one for the ages, filled with mutual respect, unwavering support, and countless cherished memories.
Bertha and Jimmy were blessed with two children. Jamey Brugh and Stacey Brugh. Jamey was often referred to as “The Number One Perfect Child” by his sister Stacey. Jamey is married to Jaime or “Girl Jaime” as she was affectionately known in Brugh Hollow. Stacey Brugh, aka the “Number One Wild Child,” made a name for herself as Buchanan’s local Hollywood Cooking Show Producer starring “Mama Brugh.” Her grandchildren, Wesley and Austin were the apples of her eye until her great-grandchildren came along and took that position. Wesley is married to Jordan and Austin is recently engaged to Jillian. Her great- grandchildren, Callie, Parker, Cabella, and Beckett brought immense joy and light into her life and she loved supporting them with all their endeavors. Bertha’s children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, each bringing their unique flair and accomplishments to the family. Bertha’s passions were many, but her greatest loves were her family, faith, food, friends, the outdoors, archery, and her community. She was a State Triple Crown Archery Champion and proudly held the title of the Best Brugh With a Bow. A masterful keeper of traditions, Bertha preserved not just fruits and veggies but also memories through canning and cooking for those she loved. Known for her nurturing nature, Bertha was the best back scratcher and head rubber on the planet. She led by example, showing how to be a wonderful Wife, Mother, Mother-in-Law, Mamaw, sister, aunt, and friend.
Bertha is survived by her beloved husband, Jimmy Brugh; children, Jamey and Jaime Brugh, and Stacey Brugh; grandchildren, Wesley and Jordan Brugh, and Austin Brugh and fiancée, Jillian; great-grandchildren, Callie, Parker, Cabella, and Beckett; and siblings, Marvin and Ellen White, Kenneth and Bessie White, and Jane and Wayne Rapp; several wonderful sibling-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and step-siblings.
Bertha’s legacy is one of love, strength, and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Mill Creek Baptist Church with Pastor JR Graybill and Pastor Danny Quirin officiating. For those who could join in person, there was a livestream option on the Mill Creek Baptist Church – Fincastle Facebook page. Interment was in Mill Creek Cemetery. The family received friends on Saturday, October 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Solomon’s Mission in Buchanan in her honor.
