One of the defining aspects of Jean’s life was her love for family and the joy she found in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her children, Robert, Randy, and Larry, were the heartbeats of her existence. The Ratcliff home was a place filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of shared meals and family gatherings.
The Ratcliff family extends beyond her immediate children to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Trent, Beth, Valerie, Brian, Ben, Scott, Jeremy, and their families experienced the boundless love and wisdom that Jean generously shared. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and influenced.
Jean’s zest for life extended to her interests and hobbies. She found joy in camping, a pastime that allowed her to connect with nature and create lasting memories with her loved ones. Card games were a source of amusement, and she cherished the moments spent playing and sharing laughter with friends and family.
As the final chapter of Jean’s earthly journey unfolds, those who preceded her in death, including her parents, husband Robert, brothers Clarence, Loren, and Ronald Carbaugh, and sister Fern Marquardt, welcome her into the eternal embrace.
The community and those who knew Jean are invited to celebrate her life at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel at 1995 G Ave. in Red Oak on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 11 AM. The burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery, where she will rest alongside her beloved Robert. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service, providing an opportunity for shared reminiscences and mutual support.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Red Oak Presbyterian Church or the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Court of Honor, embodying Jean’s spirit of community and service. Jean’s passing marks the end of an era, but her memory lives on in the hearts of those she touched.
Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of love, faith, and devotion. As the community comes together to honor her, they also celebrate the enduring legacy of Thelma “Jean” Ratcliff. May she rest in eternal peace.
