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Christopher Ratcliff Obituary
Christopher Brian Ratcliff, 48, of Lafayette passed away at his home on March 27, 2017. Chris was born March 5, 1969 to parents Ann (Ellingwood) Ratcliff and Steven Ratcliff of Lafayette, and they survive.
Chris married Melanie (Marks) Ratcliff on June 2, 1988. They have three sons, Evan, Levi, and Seth Ratcliff all of Lafayette. Also surviving is one brother, Mitch Ratcliff and his sister-in-law, Angela (Greer) Ratcliff, and their children, Matthew and Hannah Ratcliff of Attica.
Chris was a graduate of McCutcheon High School class of 1987. He then served his country in the U.S. Army from February 1988 to May 1991. He served with A Company 1st/14th Infantry in Oahu, Hawaii and C Company 1st/506th Infantry in South Korea where he guarded the DMZ. He was honorably discharged receiving a Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
Chris was a Petroleum Sales Representative for Westland Co-op and Ceres Solutions in Lafayette for 19 years where he was beloved by his many customers over the years. He also worked as a school bus driver for Tippecanoe School Corporation at McCutcheon High School, Wea Ridge Elementary and Middle Schools where his students knew him as "Mr. Chris."
Chris was an avid fisherman, and he also enjoyed racing go-karts. He could fix anything with wheels on it. He also loved to buy, sell and trade at flea markets and swap-meets.
The family will hold a private memorial service with a celebration of life to be held at a later date to be determined. Simplicity Funeral Care entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences at www.simplicity-funeralcare.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Ratcliff
Sponsored by Simplicity Funeral Care.
Chip Atkinson
November 20, 2022
Randomly remembering the ornery moments of my favorite neighbor. The Tri-Z, running the Mach 1,cannons, my first chew,... so many fun times.
Valerie (Nicholson) Beeler
March 29, 2021
Thinking of you today especially.... still just seems impossible that he is gone. I think of you all often and praying for continued comfort and healing as each day passes. Sending love and hugs! ❤❤
Michele Graves
May 23, 2017
Melanie I just heard of your husband's passing. May the love you give to many return to you in strength and compassion. God Bless you and your sons today and God's love comfort you always.
April 8, 2017
Mitch, Angie, Mitchell, and Hannah, please know I love you all. PRAYING that the arms of God embrace you, that His peace flow through you, that He holds your hands daily to help you with your walk. Please know I love you all, I have and will continue to lift you all up in prayer. Jo ELlen
Mike & Sandy Bowman
April 7, 2017
So sorry for your Loss.
He was a good man
Scott and Reva Lohorn
April 6, 2017
Steve ,I'm so sorry for your loss.No child should go before the parent. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers .
Scott Philpott
April 6, 2017
He was a great guy , Sorry for your loss !
Charlie Lowrey
April 6, 2017
Chris "Rat" Ratcliff, you were like a Brother to Me and I will always Love you for that. We did things together that will give me a lifetime of laughs. Rest Easy My Brother and I will see you on the other side. You Will Never Be Forgotten.
Judy Gustafsson
April 5, 2017
To all the families your in my thoughts and prayers! Love ya
Peggy Linback
April 5, 2017
Melanie and boys, I'm so very sorry for your loss. God will help you get through this hard time in your life, just lean on him. I love your family so much and I'm keeping you all in my prayers.
April 5, 2017
Melanie and boys, I'm so very sorry for your loss. God will carry you through this terrible time in your life, just lean on him. I love your family so much and keeping you all in my prayers. Peggy Linback
Susan and Mark Gray
April 5, 2017
Melanie and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of Chris' death. I can't imagine. I'm praying for you all. May you feel God carry you through these very hard times and may He bless you with only the peace that He can give you. Because He lives...
Valerie Beeler
April 5, 2017
God Bless! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
April 5, 2017
Ann and Steve we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you. Dan and Jenell Moore.
April 5, 2017
Ann and Steve, Can't imagine your lose. I know there isn't anything we can say to make it better. Our thoughts are with you. Walt and Jane
Cindy Keyes
April 5, 2017
I am so very sorry to hear of this. My prayers will be with you and your boys! May God be with you all and give you His perfect peace and comfort.
Gary&Linda Gordon
April 5, 2017
Good memories of Chris growing up. Melanie our prays are with you and the boys.
Sarah,Robert, and Jackson Timmons
April 4, 2017
Melanie, our sympathies and may cherished memories and your love give you and the boys the strength to get thru these hard days and weeks to come.
Bob & Kim Runner
April 4, 2017
Sorry for your loss.
Anna Smith
April 4, 2017
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND R I P MR. RATCLIFF
Michelle Collins
April 4, 2017
You will definitely be missed Mr. Chris. Fly high!
Gary -Linda Gordon
April 4, 2017
We have good memories of Chris when he was growing up . Our prays are with you Mel and family
Sarah Knowles
April 4, 2017
I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
Lisa Nydegger
April 4, 2017
Ann, Steve and Family
I am so sorry, you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Gene & Kay Brady
April 4, 2017
Melanie and family: May his good deeds and love be etch in stone. His faults written on the sand, to be wash away by the tears of those who love him and scattered by the winds of God. God bless you and your family
Richard + Laura Lofland
April 4, 2017
To the Ratcliff family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry for your loss.
Thelma Biery
April 4, 2017
Dear Melanie and family, I am so sorry for your loss, I know how difficult this is for you, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God keep you and bless in these sad times. love Aunt Thelma
Mike and Pam Walker, Stair
April 4, 2017
So sorry for your loss, we loved Chris and he was a very good friend to Mike and I. Chris will be missed and will always be remembered!
Sue & Lester Pelfree
April 4, 2017
Melanie, Evan, Levi & Seth,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for the days ahead.
Vicki Steenhoek
April 4, 2017
Melanie, Evan, Levi, and Seth - I can't imagine how Chris's death is affecting you. I hope God's healing grace touches you soon. I love you all and miss Chris. With lots of love, Vicki and Tim
April 4, 2017
Ann & Steve and Family,
So very sorry for your loss! You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Rick and Fonda Synesael & Charles and Barb West
Cathy Brooks
April 4, 2017
Melanie, I am so sorry to hear of Chris's passing. May God be with you and your family during this time.
April 4, 2017
So sorry for your loss Mel and boys! If there is anything I can do please call on me. Valerie M Little
Glenda Mellady
April 3, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Gone to soon.God BlessGlenda (Cozad) Mellady
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