Samuel Kyle Ratliff

Samuel "Kyle" Ratliff was born in Brookfield, MO on December 11, 1962, to Julian "Reese" Ratliff and Montie Lou Bailey Ratliff. Kyle was a student at Macon County R-IV School attending elementary school in his hometown of Ethel, MO and Junior High/High School in New Cambria, MO. He was a member of the graduating class of 1981. Following High School, Kyle combined his love of working with cattle and driving trucks to begin a career in livestock hauling. He hauled cattle for Jerry Littleton as well as cattle and hogs for B&J Trucking for several years. He never hesitated to take his kids along on a run when they wanted to go, and if they weren't riding along with him, they would often find a postcard or two in the mailbox from the places he might stop in his travels.
Kyle eventually decided a career change was in order, and he began working the sale barn circuit at various livestock markets throughout northeast Missouri, primarily spending most of his time working in Green City and New Cambria. In Kyle's own words, he lived his life as a "cow junkie". He was good at it, and he loved it. He resided close to his hometown throughout most of his life, most recently making his home in New Cambria. Kyle was the guy that was rarely ever on time, but he always showed up. He was rough and tough on the outside, but he had the biggest heart there ever was. There was never any doubt about the people and things Kyle loved and that included his children, Peterbilt trucks, and his beloved dog Kato. In his spare time, he enjoyed tending to the family farm in Ethel and tinkering on whatever he could get his hands on. He enjoyed watching his kids play sports over the years and he even coached some of their teams. If he wasn't actively coaching a team, he could clearly be heard "coaching" from the sidelines, that is unless a referee happened to remove him from a game or three for not seeing eye-to-eye on a call they may have made or missed.
Kyle loved to make people laugh and he truly did not know a stranger. He would make conversation with everyone whether he knew them or not and his conversations could never be described as short and sweet. He loved to talk, laugh and tell stories and he told some of the BEST stories imaginable.
Kyle is survived by 6 children, Josh Ratliff (Jamie) of Texas, Kyleigh Campbell of New Cambria, Bailey Ratliff (Ethan) of Bucklin, Dakota Kincanon, and Brooklyn Ratliff, both of Green City, and Kennedy Craig of Moberly. Nine grandchildren, Paten, Keenan, Jade, Piper, Lottie, Danny, Nash, Myles, Remington, and Madelyn. Also surviving are his mother, Montie Lou Ratliff of Brookfield, one brother Rick Ratliff, one niece, Mandy Vilano and one nephew Chris Ratliff. Kyle was preceded in death by his father Reese Ratliff and his sister Juletta Ratliff.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August, 31, 2023, from 5:00 pm. to 8:00 pm. at the Ethel Community Church, Ethel, MO. Private burial will be at a later date.
Memorial have been suggested to the Family for funeral expenses, and can be made to Rhodes Funeral Home, and can be left at or mailed to Rhodes Funeral Home, 216 Linn Street, Brookfield, MO. 64628.
Online condolences can be made at www.rhodesfh.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Rhodes Funeral Home, Brookfield, MO.