Virginia B. Martin

Virginia Cale Balser Martin, 81, lovingly known as "Granny" to all who knew her, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah House in Fishersville. 

She was born on October 21, 1942, in Augusta County to the late Pearl McClure and Josephine Eliza Adkins Cale and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Granny worked for years as a beloved hostess at McDonald's in Fishersville. Her warm presence and friendly nature made her well-known and loved by many in the community. Her career at McDonald's touched countless lives, bringing joy to both young and old alike.

Outside of work, Granny was a member of McKinley United Methodist Church in Middlebrook. She found solace and strength in her faith, which helped shape her kind-hearted and caring personality. Virginia lived up to her nickname "Granny" - she was the kindest, sweetest, and most caring person you could ever meet.

Granny cherished spending time with her family and friends. Trips to the beach were special moments that brought her joy and created lasting memories. Her love for her family knew no bounds, and she took immense pride in watching them grow.

She is survived by her children, Ruby Balser Sprouse, Ann Balser Koontz, and Marshall Stephen Balser; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Balser; her grandchildren, Jennifer Sprouse, Andy Bishop and his wife, Jodie, Cassandra Vaughn and her husband, Corey, and Tony Sprouse and his wife, Sharon; her great-grandchildren, Bradley, Taylor, Kiara, Tre, Brittani, Jessie, Anthony, Tanner, Remy, and Dean; her great-great-grandchildren, Brayden and Jackson; her extended family, John Opstad and the entire Opstad family; her very much loved McDonald's family; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving first husband, Marshall Samuel Balser; her brothers, Franklin, John, Bernard, and William Cale; her sister, Frances Cale Daniel; and her grandchildren, Dale Ray Sprouse and her beloved, Amanda Sprouse.

The body will lay in repose from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton on Friday, January 26, 2024. Friends may pay their respects and sign the register book during this time.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Spring Hall in Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church in Fishersville. 

Interment will be at Immanuel Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Middlebrook and will be private.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah (c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA, 22939).