IN MEMORIAM Ben Gravett April 14, 1954 - April 23, 2014 Businessman, Ben Gravett, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. He was at home surrounded by family and his faithful dogs. Born April 14, 1954 in Washington, DC he grew up in Arlington, VA until at a young age he moved to Prince William County and then later to Fauquier County. He resided in Fauquier County for the last 28 years. Upon leaving home he started his career working for Arlington Iron Works. Shortly thereafter he founded G and G Welding which developed into Ben Gravett Ent., a steel erection company, BG Crane Services and JTD Crane Rental. Ben also had a great passion for real estate and land development, much like his grandfather, B. M. Smith of Arlington, VA. An avid horseman for most of his life he also founded G & G Quarter Horses and was a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He later transitioned from horses into breeding and showing Texas Longhorn cattle. He served first as President of International Texas Longhorn Association based out of Fort Worth, TX. Later he be-
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came Chairman of the Board of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America also based out of Fort Worth, TX. He was currently Chairman of the Board of the Texas Longhorn Marketing Alliance in Lampasas, TX. Ben also spent many years coaching and supporting his childrens’ sports teams. He was very active in the community and a large supporter of numerous local charities and services, some of which are Highland School, Fauquier Family Shelter and Fauquier Free Clinic. He was a large supporter of the Fauquier Chapter of the Republican Committee. There were many other causes he supported in the community as well as serving on the board of the Washington Forest Foundation, an Arlington, VA based charitable foundation. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Ann Gravett; his children, Matt Gravett of Sumerduck, Rachel Gravett Mrad of Centreville, VA, Jamie Gravett of Warrenton and Taryn Gravett of Warrenton; grandchildren, Jake and Ty Gravett of Sumerduck, Dylan and Jordan Mrad of Centreville and Addyson Gravett of Warrenton. The family received friends at Moser Funeral Home, Warrenton, VA where funeral services were held on Sunday, April 27. Interment followed at Bright View Cemetery, Warrenton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fauquier Free Clinic, P. O. Box 3138, Warrenton, VA 20188 or to the Fauquier Family Shelter, P. O. Box 3599, Warrenton, VA 20188. Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com.
Ruth Matherne Hoffman April 2, 2014 Ruth Matherne Hoffman, age 83, died April 2, 2014. Ruth, daughter of the late John and Ida Matherne, loving wife of the late Johnnie W. Hoffman, Sr. passed away in Des Allemands, LA following a long illness. She is survived by her daughter Mary Jane Keller and her two children John Patrick and Erin Kate. She is also survived by her son Johnnie W. Hoffman, Jr. and his wife Michelle, and their children John Hunter and Lauren Hernandez (wife of David Hernandez) and her great granddaughter Amelia Jane Hernandez. She is also survived by her brothers, Jack Matherne (late wife Eleanor), Robert Matherne and his wife Loretta, and Douglas Matherne and his wife Catherine. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Ruth was born and raised in Des Allemands and following her marriage she moved to Metairie where she resided for many years. Ruth was known as an exceptional cook and avid gardener. Her hobbies included raising African Violets, decoupage projects and needlepoint. She was active in the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association with her late husband. She was a faithful member of St. Angela Merici Parish and in retirement, Ruth, volunteered with the East Jefferson Hospital Auxiliary. The family would like to thank the Matherne brothers, their wives, and especially Loretta for their exceptional loving care of Ruth during her illness. They would also like to thank her devoted friend Roy Rogers. Visitation was at St. Gertrude Catholic Church, Des Allemands, LA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Gertrude Catholic Church with burial following in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to St. Gertrude Parish, 17292 Highway 631, Des Allemands, LA 70030. Falgout Funeral Homes was in charge of arrangements.
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