Brandy Ratchford

As a young child, her favorite times were hunting and other outdoor adventures with her Dad. He was famous for taking Brandy and her friends on trips to Acapulco, Snowmass and the family ranch in Leakey, Texas. Summers in the Texas Hill Country as a Tonk and M Girl at Camp Mystic were much anticipated. During childhood and throughout her life, Brandy’s brother, Pete Moore, steadfastly remained her best friend, protector and mentor.

Brandy graduated from Highland Park High School in 1990 and four years later from The University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. After attaining a degree in Liberal Arts, she moved to Washington D.C. to work for The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchinson. While there, she met future husband Stephen Ratchford and they were married in 1998. The new Mr. and Mrs. Ratchford lived in Washington for two years and then returned to Dallas.

As a wife and mother, Brandy’s first priority and greatest joy always included those activities involving Stephen and their five children. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than orchestrating a family fest, completing the scheme for a child’s room, loading the Suburban with wriggling kids or attending school functions and athletic events....all while managing a daily workout. With tender regard for both family and friends, Brandy made use of her remarkable gift for keeping those in her world connected.

Interest in community work included countless volunteer hours in the company of like-minded friends. Brandy’s boundless energy was directed to Bible Study groups, Highland Park United Methodist Church, Crystal Charity Ball, Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, Children’s Medical Center Auxiliary, Cattle Baron’s Ball, Junior Leagues of Washington D.C. and Dallas, and the Junior Group of the Dallas Garden Club.

With that beautiful smile and infectious laugh, Brandy would always light up a room. Creative, organized, thoughtful, full of fun, blessed with integrity, generous of spirit....Brandy moved among us comforting, encouraging, inspiring and spreading sunshine.

In addition to her parents, Brandy is survived by her loving husband, Stephen Alexander Ratchford and their children: Samuel Stephen, William Alexander, Peter James, John Philip and Anne Elizabeth. Other survivors include her brother Maurice Edwin Moore III (Pete), his wife Shelley, their children Winn and Lily; her uncle Mike Blalack, his wife Tonya, their children Chris Blalack and Bryn Rupe; father-in-law Jim Ratchford, his wife Lee; brother-in-law Jimmy Ratchford, his wife Denise, their children Walker, Silas and A.J.; sister-in-law Ruthie Smathers, her husband Foy and their children Molly and Sarah. Brandy’s godchildren, whom she loved as her own, are Emma Engel, Giddings Harrison, Dabney Jordon, Kate Pickens, Ava Pond, Caroline Prestidge and Elizabeth Sweet.

A friend described Brandy: “She lived her faith as a child of God, knowing Him and following His commandments. Her life reflected abundant trust in Jesus Christ. She truly had the heart of a servant, using her time and talent to serve others while putting their needs before her own.”

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 21, 2014 at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas 75205. A private Graveside Service will be held for the family. Memorials may be made to the Brandy Moore Ratchford Memorial Fund at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas in honor of Dr. Claude Prestidge, 2777 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75207. Online condolences may be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com.