March 5, 2023 – today was the day. The day we prayed for, yet the day we knew would sadden us to the core. At least it was a day full of sunshine – her favorite!
Born in Toledo, Ohio on December 8, 1929, Elizabeth “MeMe” Ratliff was the daughter of a Swiss immigrant. She spent her youth in Brandywine, Md., with older brother, Alfred, and younger sister Aileen. She met her forever love on a blind date there. He was in the Air Force; they raised six children and traveled to places many only dream of.
Upon retirement after proudly serving 20 years, they settled in a tiny community to establish the town of Beaver, Arkansas. Today that town boasts of an amazing campground and the infamous Beaver Bridge, aka the Little Golden Gate Bridge, they fought so hard to preserve.
She was an amazing cook. Her spaghetti sauce was always in demand and if you were lucky enough to get a jar of it you knew you scored big time! Her skills as a seamstress were sought after when they bought Wardrobe Cleaners in Eureka Springs on Spring Street in 1971.
She always loved Jesus, as did her husband. Their family was in church wherever they lived. She taught Sunday school for many years. Her students still talk about her today.
Her forever love, John Russell Ratliff, left to be with Jesus on April 18, 2013. They were married for 65 years. How she longed to be with him. That bittersweet day has come; her prayers have been answered. Praise the Lord! Let the celebration begin, they have been reunited!
Joining in the celebration will be their grandson, Dalton Johnson, and son-in-law Tom Marler. When John left, her two cats, Blondie and Prissy, were her reason for living and were right beside her when she left for Heaven. They will be well cared for.
Left to carry on their legacy are six children, Debbie (Butch) Willbanks, John “JR” (Robyn) Ratliff, Mary (Jose) Galindo, Patty Marler, Cindy Tjeerdema (partner Sherl Gunnels), Tina Johnson (fiancé Tommy Taylor); extended family Nitz (Kim) Eiler; 11 grandchildren, Chris (Wende) Willbanks, Somer (Jim) Adams, Shaun (Michelle) Ratliff, Matthew (Natasha) Ratliff, John Carl (Michelle) Ambrose, Ryan (Mary) Ambrose, Crystal (Douglas) Arimura, Rocky Hall, Misty Johnson (Heath) Forgey, Nick and Chris Eiler; 26 great grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren.
We’ve been unable to decide on a date for her memorial service. That information will be released as soon as it’s available. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to American Legion Post #9, c/o Charles Welch, 19 E. Center Road, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, or Holiday Island Baptist Church, 14 Stateline Drive, Holiday Island, AR 72631.
Cremation arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2023.