Betty Bloedel Stratton

Betty Stratton passed away peacefully on Friday, the 11th of September 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. Betty was born March 7, 1940 in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Robert “Bob” and Mary Louise Bloedel. She graduated from York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois, and went on to Purdue University to earn her bachelor’s degree. After college, she was married to Terry Albert Stratton. They moved to Boston so he could attend Harvard Business School. She and Terry lived in Pittsburgh, PA briefly and then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1965.

Betty had many interests and passions. Early in life, she developed a passion for music. She played the flute and the piano as a child and always had a new uplifting song to share. She encouraged her boys to always be involved in the arts, and they were in the Atlanta Boy Choir for most of their childhood. They also were involved in chorus and musicals at The Lovett School. Betty was a cheerleader in high school and her interest in healthy activities never wavered. Betty was always exercising. Throughout her life, she skied, played tennis, and completed many Peachtree Road Races, but swimming was a constant form of relaxation and activity even late in her life.

For her first job after college, Betty was an elementary school teacher in Boston, MA and later in Pittsburgh, PA. When she moved to Atlanta, she became a mother and a homemaker. She was always very involved outside the home. She was active as an alumni volunteer for Kappa Alpha Theta. She was involved with PEO International, The Junior League of Dekalb County and their Callanwolde fundraising initiative. She helped with fundraising for The Center for Puppetry Arts and The Atlanta Boy Choir. She even assisted hosting Mariapia Fanfani when she visited Georgia and the Boy Choir.

When Betty first moved to Atlanta, her husband, Terry, founded a general contracting business, Stratton and Company. She was always involved in this business, making sure it treated all employees like family and helping with marketing. As her sons grew, Betty got involved in the construction industry. She was the Founder and President of Stratton Interiors, where she had great success and won many accolades as a Woman in Construction. Stratton Interiors was involved in projects such as the Perimeter Mall Food Court, the Peachtree Center Food Court, The Center for Puppetry Arts and many showrooms in the Atlanta Apparel Mart. Later, she started a second construction firm, BBS Contractors, which was involved in the initial construction of the Georgia Dome. Betty loved Atlanta and being involved in all aspects of her community! Most recently, Betty’s interest in learning more about her family’s history and community motivated her to join the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Betty was also passionate about travel. She especially enjoyed family trips to Lake Ripley, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan, Europe and to many wonderful skiing venues around the globe. Betty skied in the Alps, Colorado, and Utah. Often these memorable ski trips were with close family friends. Two of her favorite trips were to Israel and Egypt.

Ultimately, Betty’s greatest passions were her family, friends and her faith, and her faith was exhibited in her whole being. She was kind and accepting, and always willing to both listen and help. She was a devoted Christian and had a great love of her church and her bible studies. She started and finished every day reading the bible and tried to live every day through God’s word. When Betty moved to Atlanta, she joined Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. Later, she was an active participant at the Church of the Apostles and most recently enjoyed attending Passion City Church.

Betty leaves behind two sons, Todd (Kathy) Stratton and Jeffrey (Amanda) Stratton and grandchildren Claire, Lauren, Ashley, Caroline, Graysen, and Jeffrey Stratton. She is survived by a sister, Judy Dillingham of Elmhurst, Il, nephews: Mark Dillingham of Palos Heights, IL, and Scott (Jill) Dillingham of Winnetka, Illinois and great nieces Halsey and Lane.

Due to the pandemic, a private family service will be held. The family hopes to host a Celebration of Life in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, or the charity of your choice, in memory of Betty Stratton.