Earnest Ratliff

Earnest Ratliff, 88, of Santa Cruz, California, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, in Santa Cruz.

He was born on February 1, 1938, in Jayess, Mississippi, to the late Hollis and Courtney Nicks Ratliff. He was baptized at New Home Church of Christ Holiness in Jayess, Mississippi, where he began his lifelong foundation of faith. He attended Hope High School, and shortly after, moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he met his wife, Syble Wilkes.

Earnest shared over 65 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Syble Jean Ratliff, until her passing on December 25, 2025. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and devotion to raising their six children, and also lovingly raised their three grandchildren, Nicole, Timothy, and Marcel.

He dedicated more than 25 years of service to the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he worked in the custodial services department and earned the respect of those around him for his strong work ethic and dependable nature. He also worked for many years at Maywood Furniture Company in Santa Cruz.

In his free time and especially in retirement, Earnest found joy in the simple things. He treasured time spent with family and friends, and he was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching baseball, football, and basketball games while supporting local teams. He especially enjoyed attending local high school sporting events whenever he could, and took pleasure in occasional trips to the casino with his wife.

In addition to his parents and wife, Earnest was preceded in death by five brothers, Fulton Huey, Leamon Ratliff, Freeman Ratliff, Artis Ratliff, and Joseph Ratliff; one sister, Dorothy Butcher; and two children, Donna Wilkes and Rudy Wilkes, who both passed before him.

He leaves behind a loving family who will continue to carry forward his legacy. He is survived by his children: Andre (Ruthie) of Redwood City, CA; Sebrina (John) of Santa Cruz, CA; Kevin of Santa Cruz, CA; and Darryl (Josephine) of Santa Cruz, CA.

He is also survived by his siblings: Holliner Rush of Rochester Hills, MI; Willeen (Zackery) McQuitta of Capitola, CA; Helen Rodgers of Tylertown, MS; and John Ratliff of Laurel, MS, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.

Earnest will be remembered for his gentle spirit, steady presence, and the love he gave so freely. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Though his hands are now at rest, the love, wisdom, and strength he shared will continue to guide and live on through his family for generations to come.