Nancy Jean Ratliff

Surrounded by her loving family in her home, our beloved Nancy peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Nancy Jean Myers, born in Alliance, OH on September 28, 1949, was the first child blessed to Eugene and Shirley (Wise/Wyss) Myers. Gene and Shirley's family would grow to include 5 more daughters and it was only natural that Nancy assumed the nurturing role as a second mother figure to her younger sisters. 

A modest child of the 1950's and 1960's, she surrendered to teenage love and in 1966 married Terry L. Edinger in Alliance, OH. This union would bless them with their only child, Gerald S. Edinger. Nancy and Terry settled in Homeworth, OH and operated their business, Big Wheel Custom Cycles, for many years. She became a widow in 1994 and the business closed. 

After the passing of her husband, her spiritual walk went in to overdrive. This led her to worship at Alliance First Assembly of God Church. She actively and passionately participated in many faith-based programs in church and around the community to spread the word of God including teaching the young ones about Jesus, fellowship with the Praise Team and Young at Heart, the Adult and Teen Challenge programs, and the 100 Women in White Praise and Worship choir event held annually at Second Baptist Church in Alliance, OH. 

She never met a stranger! She would pray for them and their families or share testimony to spread her love for Jesus.

Nancy supported herself working as a waitress for many years and was a familiar face at Don Pancho's Restaurant & Motor Inn and at Friendly's Restaurant & Ice Cream. Her hair, makeup and overall appearance was always on point. Some of her customers lovingly referred to her as Fancy Nancy. It was Fancy Nancy walking in to Friendly's for her shift that caught the eye of a passing motorcyclist who had "lost" his way to a local brickyard. He was drawn to stop in and ask her for directions. A period of courtship and attending church together, followed. Then, with the help of her sister, Judy, also a Friendly's waitress, as well as friends and other coworkers, a tux wearing Joe surprised Nancy with a marriage proposal at Friendly's during her work shift. Per the Valentine's Day edition of The Alliance Review published February 16, 1998, "...both believe that there was a Master plan to have us meet." Indeed!

Nancy lovingly wore many hats; Among them were faithful Christian, Wife, Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Fancy Nancy and even Wonder Woman. Her absence has left a huge hole in ALL our hearts.

Those left to grieve her passing is her husband of 27 years, Joseph R. Ratliff and their blended family, her son, Gerald Edinger and grandson Terry Edinger; as well as Joseph (Kelly) Ratliff, Angela (Steven) Mulichak, Kristina (Shawn) Cottrill, Mandy (Jason) Stevens; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren; her sisters, Janice Croley, Susan Mastroianni, Lisa Myers and Mary Guillermo; nieces and nephews, Amanda (Julianne) Evans, Sarah Croley, Damaceno P. Guillermo II, Roberto (Haley) Guillermo and Antonio Guillermo and grandniece, Calliope Guillermo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband; baby brother, Robert Myers; sister Judith Evans; and brothers-in-law, Dwight Croley and Joseph C. Mastroianni.

Visitation will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Sunday, January 26th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 27th at 10:00 a.m.