Mark G. Ratledge

Mark, you are greatly missed here and not a day goes by that I don't think of you and the times we had. It was a priviledge and honor to volunteer under you and then to work with you. I know you are with me on every call I run and feel your presence at night around the station when all is quiet. You will live on at Cottonwood Fire Department forever and everyone misses you. Mark I Love and miss you greatly my brother. Until we meet again Captain "Rat" Ratledge rest in peace my dear good friend.

My dear friend, you are already so very missed. I will never forget our precious time together and our many talks about life, love and everything between. If I had only known your life would be cut short, I would have made sure we had at least a few more BBQ's and chats! You truly were one of a kind. Your heart was so precious and your smile and giggle contagious. T-man will forever see you as one of the best role models/friends he will ever have. You were so good to him!
I know you are...

My son and I were very fortunate to have known Mark. I watched him grow up, and he watched my son grow up...he was my little brother's best friend and was part of our family. He was truly one of the good ones in this world, and was a friend and little brother for life.

My heart goes to his family, and all of his friends...and his firefighting family, who all lost this rare man.

We love you Mark.

I have never met Mark, nor his family...but when you're helped by one fireman, you are in essence helped by them all. My heart broke with the news of his death, and breaks still for the ones he has left behind. Jennifer, Hannah, Connor, Sophia, Mark's family, the men and women of the Cottonwood Vol, Fire Department, their families..............time does not necessarily heal all wounds, nor should it. But in time you all will find it easier, and less painful to remember Mark. Everyday I...

May your soul fly free and forever.
Enjoy the other side Mark.
Our community will look out for Jennifer and the children always.
And So It Is!

I am so glad I got a chance to have you be a part of my life which will be forever influence. You were an amazing captain and have some pretty big shoes to fill. You will always be remembered and loved by many.

To a great friend: so sorry we didn't keep in close contact the last ten years, but every time we met up, wether it was on a fire or at the store or at the gas station. You always had a positive attitude and a great big smile that was so infectious. Brother your going to be greatly missed but never forgotten.( I've put your number and name on the back of my helmet in memory of you )