Mary Ratliff

Mary Lou Ratliff, 92, passed away peacefully on October 10th, 2016 at Willow Springs Care Center. Mary was born September 16, 1924 to Phillip and Lula Shockley in Fort Smith, AK. She moved with her family to California when she was very young. It was 1948 when Mary met and married Alford Clark. At the time she was working as a telephone operator and was being trained as a supervisor. The times being what they were, Mary gave up her career to become a stay at home mom. She and Al had two daughters and later moved to her dream town of Morro Bay, CA. The family had taken many vacations there. In 1973, Mary found love again after Al’s passing. She married Harold Ratliff and they eventually moved to Yakima to be closer to their grandchildren. They had many happy years together. They loved camping in their motorhome and frequent trips back to California to visit friends and family. Mary is survived by her daughters: Karen (Don) Welshimer and Phyllis (Allen) Reischl of Yakima; her grandchildren: Angela (Walt) Pauling, James (Courtney) Welshimer, Brandon (Crystal) Malby; as well as many nieces and nephews; also her special friend, companion and love, Kelly Jenkins who remained very devoted to her until the end. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Alford, second husband Harold, six sisters and brother. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Willow Springs Care Center, many of who went above and beyond for her. At Mary’s request there will be no formal service. She’ll be forever in our hearts. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Ratliff, please visit our flower store.