Winifred Ratcliff Obituary

Mr. Winifred C. Ratcliff, 83, of Laurel Heights Drive, Morganton, passed away Saturday April 24, 2010, surrounded by members of his loving family at College Pines Nursing Center after a period of declining health.
Winifred was born Aug. 10, 1926 in Pulaski Va., to the late Dennis Lankford and Mozel King Ratcliff. Mr. Ratcliff was a resident of Morganton for the last 41 years. He was a loving, caring husband, father and brother. He also volunteered his time to the sports department at the North Carolina School for the Deaf.
In addition to his parents Mr. Ratcliff was preceded in death by one brother Rodney Ratcliff, of Pulaski, Va.
Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Betty Dehart Ratcliff, of the home; four sons Tony Ratcliff and fiancée, Debbie Moose, of Maryland, Rocky Ratcliff, Dana Ratcliff and wife, Pat, Danny Ratcliff and wife, Edie, of Virginia; two daughters Rhonda French of Virginia, and Carol Clark and husband, Bucky, of Morganton. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; one brother Buddy Ratcliff and wife, Carolyn; four sisters Louise Hagee, Judy Gregory, Linda Kinser and husband, Sterling, all of Pulaski, Va., and Dreama Whitaker and husband, Milford, of Greensboro.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Stevens Funeral Home in Pulaski, Va., with the Revs. Johnny Howlet Judy Gregory officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin, Va.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.
Following the services, the family will gather at the home of Rhonda French, 1044 McGill St., Pulaski, Va.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is in charge of local arrangements.

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Apr. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Winifred Ratcliff

4 Entries

Joyce McCall

April 26, 2010

Dearest Betty,Tony and family,
I have such fond memories of Mr. Ratcliff. He was a very special person to many that knew him.I want you to know that you are in my prayers during this difficult time. After losing my dad just twelve days ago, I know how it feels to give up a loved one. May it bring you comfort to know that others care and share this loss with you.
Love and prayers, Joyce McCall

Barby Donovan

April 25, 2010

I'll miss those wonderfull get-togethers at Don's.It seems we laughed the whole time...your sense of humor shining through!!Every time I look at that new little tree you planted I'll think of you.You loved all living things,Winnie,and now our loving God will keep you happy in his loving arms forever.I'll missyou!

Barbara Branch

April 25, 2010

With lots of fond memories and good times shared...I lift you on your way to a wonderful eternal life. I shall always remember you with a great big smile and a laugh.

your sister Louise Hagee

April 25, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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