Doris Ratcliffe

1927 - 2023

Doris Ratcliffe passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born October 19, 1927, to Henry W. and Ruth Jones Colebank in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Farmington High School in 1945 and attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio. September 11, 1948, Doris married the love of her life, Peter Ratcliffe and remained 100% smitten with him until his death in 2016.They started their married life on the Michigan State University campus along with other returning veterans of World War II. After her husband's graduation, the family moved to southern Ohio and returned to Michigan a year later. They moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1952 where she was active in St. John's Episcopal Church, a Girl Scout leader for 13 years, involved with 4-H, and the Vowels Elementary School PTA. The family later moved to their dream home on property east of Remus area where they had a Christmas tree farm. Doris helped in the operation of the tree farm for many years, was a den mother, Broomfield Township clerk, and sang in the choir at New Hope United Methodist Church. Doris Ratcliffe was a woman of great faith and family. Being raised at the Boy's Republic outside of Farmington, Michigan, gave her perspective and allowed for an appreciation for all the world had to offer. Doris loved to laugh, read, travel, quilt, sew, and teach her family to be self-sufficient in the kitchen. She and Peter raised six children, who went on to have 14 grand-children and 22 great-grand-children and one great-great-grandchild. Family was the center of her focus, both historically and future generations. Grand gatherings at Christmas make for favorite memories. She maintained lifelong friendships with Betty Santer and June Fish. Memories were important to her as evidenced by every saved letter and photograph. As she was winding down in life, her faith carried her through. She was at peace when her time came. She considered it her most important job and joy being a mother to her six children. She is survived by Ruth Thompson (Obie), Peter Ratcliffe (Carol), Chris Ratcliffe (Julie), Jeff Ratcliffe (Denise), Mark Ratcliffe (Ann). She was preceded in death by her brother Henry, husband Peter and daughter Annette. In lieu of flowers, Doris asked that donations be made to the Pardee Cancer Treatment Center or ProMedica Hospice Care. A memorial service is being planned for early summer at which time Doris and Peter's ashes will be interred together at the Broomfield Township Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Clark Family Funeral Chapel. You may view Doris' obituary online and send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com