Carla Marie Ratliff

Carla M. Ratliff, 64, of Benton, AR formally of Hot Springs, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025. She was born September 11, 1960 in Little Rock, AR to Roy and Dorothy (Ross) Smith.

Carla was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband Bill Ratliff, her parents, two Brother-in-Laws; Kirk Shaw and Shane Ratliff and Sister-in-Law Cherry Ratliff.

For over 30 plus years, Carla worked in Early Childhood Education and had a passion for working with young children and their families in the Head Start Program. She was also proud to serve her country in the Army Reserves for over a decade, reaching the rank of Captain. Carla was a dedicated mother to her children, step-children, grandmother and great-grandma. She loved spending time with her daughter, Amanda, who was her mini-me.

Carla was very proud of her son, Brad's military achievements and was one of the greatest influences to her stepson, Nate. Carla was always putting other's needs before her own. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, especially outdoors in the summer time. She touched many lives both professionally and personally. Carla is truly going to be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughter Amanda Merkel of Bryant; son Bradley "Brad" Merkel and Daughter-in-Law Allison Merkel of Conway; stepson Nathan "Nate" Ratliff and future Daughter-in-law Sarah Ellis; step-daughter Angela Stelpflug and husband Joe all of Hot Springs; three grandchildren, Alexx, Hayden, and Haylee Stelpflug; three great-grandchildren, Paisley, Ember, and Adalynn; her sisters Karen Shaw of Hot Springs, Dorothy "Dot" (John) Hehitman of Jessieville; two very special young ladies, Miranda and Kiersten Merkel; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends and former co-workers and staff; her fur babies Lucky and Snowball; Granddogs Gizzy and Trixie.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday at Caruth-Hale Life Celebration Center.

A celebration of Carla's life will be Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 PM at Caruth-Hale Life Celebrations Center with Pastor Doug Pruitt officiating.

Interment will be at Caney Valley Cemetery in Amity.

Pallbearers will be Jim Blackwood, Boyd Cox, Kriston McNanna, Miranda Merkel, Robert Merkel, and Alexx Stelpflug.

Honorary Pallbearers are Brad Merkel, Nate Ratliff, Cody Gonzalez, Dalton Cox, and Austin Merkel.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Arkansas Game and Fish, Shangri La Marina, Mt. Ida EMA, AR Med Flight, CHI St. Vincent, Hot Springs, Midtowne Church United States Army Honor Guard, Joplin Volunteer Fire Department, Karen Shaw, Dot Hehitman, Melanie Jackson, and Mitz Merkle.