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BORN
1933
DIED
2012
Troy Ratliff Obituary
Troy Ratliff
November 22, 1933 - October 10, 2012
On October 10, 2012, Troy Ratliff, 78, passed away peacefully at home, in the arms of his loving family. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Diane Kerr.
He was born November 22, 1933 in Bentonville, AK to parents, Arnold and Dorothy Ratliff. He was the oldest of four children, and during the family hard times, Troy was caretaker and watch dog for his younger siblings, and worked picking fruit as a child to buy their clothes. He never lost his desire to protect and sacrifice for his loved ones. His extended family knew he was always there for them.
As a teenager in Redding, he worked for Winetrout Motors, helping build the Viola cabin from the local lava rock that he gathered. After his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, he worked for Mountain Copper Co, and then was terminal manager for Peters Truck Lines. He and Diane followed his work to Gig Harbor, Washington, as a line driver for USF Reddaway for 25 years. After retirement, they traveled the country in their motorhome, enjoying their Winnebago Club trips. They moved back home to Redding in 2011. He enjoyed showing his classic 66 Ford Galaxie at Kool April Nites.
Troy leaves behind his two daughters, Sheree Whiting of Olympia, WA, and Melanie Wheeler of Redding. His sister, Ella Molder of Elk Grove; four grandchildren, Kathryn Whiting, Olympia, Wa, Amanda Wheeler, Tacoma, Wa, Andrew Whiting of Tuscon, AZ, and Robert Wheeler of Tacoma. He also leaves his precious six great-grandchildren.
Troy attended Bethel Church and gladly served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Internment will be at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery Friday, October 26, 2012,12:30 p.m.
Please sign the guest book at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Troy Ratliff
ella molder
April 18, 2021
Troy was my big Brother. He was also my protector and provider for all of my younger years. He did not have a selfish bone in his body, always willing to give you whatever he had. I did not have enough time with him in his adult life, my loss. I will always miss him and his gentle ways. Take care Brother I love you and will see you soon. Sister Lou
Stephanie Shaidell
October 29, 2012
To The Family of Mr. Ratliff: My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Troy last April; when he brought his beautiful Ford Galaxy into our shop to have some work done on it before Kool April Nights. My Dad had the very same car, in blue! Troy was THE nicest gentleman EVER, and I am saddened by the news of his passing.
May you rest in peace, dear man... God's wonderful angel now.
God bless your family here ... 'till you meet again.
Traveling around the United States
October 29, 2012
Troy and Diane at Granddaughter Amanda's High School Graduation
October 29, 2012
October 26, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Troy at Shasta Estates. Right from the start, I knew that there was something special about this guy. I was right. He was kind, had a good sense of humor, and he had a HUGE dynamic personality. My son and I really enjoyed playing poker with Troy and a few of the other residents at Shasta Estates. He had a nice hot rod of a car that was quite obviously a love of his, and he talked about it with passion and pride. I bonded with Troy very quickly and although he moved out as quickly as he moved in, his passion for life moved me. I am very sorry for his wife and family, for I know you have lost a very special person, and I do believe that our deceased love ones visit us from time to time. I could just see him having a great time messing with people from the other side. Maybe....maybe not, either way I am sure that a piece of him will live on in everyone because his personality was that BIG. I am so glad I had the pleasure of knowing him, and to his family.....I am so sorry for your loss.
Sheree Whiting
October 26, 2012
Your laughter is what I will remember the most and how you were always ready for an adventure. Rest in peace dear Father, with Jesus. In heaven we will meet again.
77th Birthday Party
October 25, 2012
Troy and Diane atthe Puyallup Fair
October 25, 2012
Troy's craft, People Watchers
October 25, 2012
October 25, 2012
Igo CA Veteran's Cemetery
October 25, 2012
Troy and Diane with their motorhome
October 25, 2012
Troy Ratliff
October 24, 2012
Troy Ratliff
October 24, 2012
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Troy Ratliff
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Troy Ratliff
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Troy Ratliff
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Troy Ratliff
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Troy Ratliff
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Ronald Benneche
October 24, 2012
Rest in Peace Troy, a giant of a teddy bear that walked with a big stick. You will be missed.
October 24, 2012
Melanie, I am so sorry for you & your families loss! I will never forget how much fun your dad was! Coming to visit you during my trips to Washington when i was a kid was one of the highlights cause your dad was such a big kid & wanted to have fun just as much as we did! Such a big heart he had! God bless, sincerely,
Dona Adams (Collins)
Melanie Wheeler
October 24, 2012
I loved watching God's love and grace the last week of his life. It was a blessing to be able to comfort him in his last days. Can't wait to meet again.
Kimberly Haynes
October 24, 2012
Troy was one of the hardest working men I've ever known. He was quirky and loved making people laugh. You always knew where you stood with him. When he was mad you knew it, but he didn't stay mad. I have many wonderful memories of him and his family as I practically grew up with them. May the Shalom of Yehoveh comfort you during this time of loss & sadness. I Love you all.
He loved his Red Galaxy Car
Amanda wheeler
October 24, 2012
Amanda Wheeler
October 24, 2012
I will always love you and you will be missed greatly in my life. I'm so thankful I got to kiss you good bye until we meet again in heaven!
October 23, 2012
Troy is resting now. He will be missed. We all have a Guardian Angel watching over us. Love Your Sister
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