Mrs. Margaret Ellen Ralsten Bontz, age 74, of Covington, Virginia, died Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Springs Nursing Home, Hot Springs.

She was the wife of the late Jack Bontz.

Mrs. Bontz was born August 13, 1937 in Alleghany County, the daughter of the late Malcolm McNeer Ralsten and Elizabeth Catherine Miller Ralsten.

She retired as an X-ray technician in 1991 from National Institute of Health in Maryland.

Mrs. Bontz is survived by her children, Linda Smith and husband, Sammy of Brunswick, MD, Frank Bontz of Covington, Karl Bontz and wife, Lori of Mt. Airy, MD, and Susan Thomas and husband, Rick of Florida; five grandchildren; one great grandchild; four brothers, Malcolm M. Ralsten and wife, Trinidad of Williamsburg, Marshall M. Ralsten and wife, Gladys of Roanoke, William R. "Billy" Ralsten and wife, Kathleen of Chester and James W. Ralsten and wife, Jo Ann of Covington.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2012, from the graveside at Alleghany Memorial Park with the Rev. Michael Snider officiating.

The family received friends on Saturday afternoon at Loving Funeral Home. Loving Funeral Home handled the arrangements: www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.