E. Ratliff

E. Von Ratliff, 82, of Eaton, OH, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, October 1, 2011. Born in Preble County, OH, he was a son of the late Elza & Mary Lou (Cox) Ratliff. One of ten children, Von grew up in a farming family in Preble County and later farmed in Gasper Township where Lakengren is now located. A US Army veteran of the Korean War, he retired in 1991 after 35 years in the shipping department of AK Steel in Middletown. Von was a longtime dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in West Elkton where he formerly served as Music Director. He enjoyed woodworking, making Christmas ornaments and knick-knacks for family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers and sisters Herb Ratliff, Tress Knorr, Lex Sawyer, Burl Ratliff and Elmer Ratliff. Survived by wife Faye L. (Ogg) Ratliff whom he married on August 15, 1953: children Debbie Gardner & husband Wayne of Eaton; Wayne Ratliff & wife Kathy of Germantown; Melody Goldston of Eaton; and Mark Ratliff & wife Laura of Eaton: 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren: sisters and brother Juanita Chesterson of Clinton, TN; Jean Hansel of Oxford; Bobby Ratliff of Miami, FL; and Janet Silvers of Mississippi. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at the Robert L. Crooks Funeral Center at Preble Memory Gardens - 3377 US Rt. 35 - West Alexandria. Pastor H. Brandenburg presiding. Friends may call on the family from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the West Elkton First Baptist Church - 12248 Sr 503 - West Elkton, OH - 45070. Online guestbook and condolences at www.rlcfc.com. Interment Preble Memory Gardens Cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of E. Ratliff please visit our Sympathy Store.