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1911 - 2003
ASHLAND
Pete Ratcliffe
1911-2003
J.P. "Pete" Ratcliffe of Bellefonte Drive, Ashland, died at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital on March 29, 2003.
He was born Jan. 1, 1911, in Winchester, Ind., the son of the late Ed and Minnie Abrams Ratcliffe.
Mr. Ratcliffe was a retired supervisor for Armco Steel. He was active in the Elks Lodge BPOE No. 350 as exhaulted ruler in 1947-48 and past state president of the Kentucky Elks Association in 1953-54, past district deputy grand exhaulted ruler in 1949-50, past president of Local Past Exhaulted Rulers and chairman of the Elks Scout Troop 101 for 37 years.
As an Eagle Scout, he was holder of the Silver Beaver and was a former member of the executive council of the Tri-State Area Boy Scout Council.
Mr. Ratcliffe was a Kentucky Colonel, and a member and elder emeritus of the Community Presbyterian Church of Bellefonte.
Mr. Ratcliffe graduated from Philipsburg High School in Philipsburg, Pa., Franklin Marshall Academy in Lancaster, Pa., and attended the University of Kentucky.
He is survived by his wife, Martha, of 50 years; two daughters, Barbara (Paul) Rusko of Ocean Pines, Md., and Dixie Diane Hester of Ft. Mitchell; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition, he has two surviving sisters, Justine Deters and Jean Robinson, both of Ashland.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, William, Edward, Robert and Tony, and his sister, Geneva.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 31, at the Steen Funeral Home Ashland Chapel, with an Elks Lodge service at 7:30 p.m. conducted by past exhaulted rulers. Funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dwight McCormick officiating.
Funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, at Ramsey Funeral Home in Lancaster, Ky., with interment following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bellefonte Community Presbyterian Church, 605 Bellefonte Princess Dr., Ashland, Ky. 41101.
Condolences also may be expressed at www.steenfuneralhomes.com
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There are currently 7 condolences.
Joe, Jordan, Grace, Jack Navratil
Tuesday April 1, 2003 at
10:25 AM
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We love you Daddy Pete and will miss you...until we all meet again in heaven. You lived a very full, very honorable life and have more than "earned" your reward. Thanks for the rides on the lawnmower, the Mint Juleps, biscuits and gravy, golf, UK basketball...but most importantly your witness. Love, Joe, Jordan, Grace and Jack (grandson-in-law and great grandchildren) Monterey, CA.
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Frank and Frankie Stewart
Monday March 31, 2003 at
5:47 PM
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Pete will be missed by Frank and I personally and by all members of the AK Management Club,as he was such a loyal member. Our love and sympathy to Martha and family.
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Frank and Frankie Stewart
Monday March 31, 2003 at
5:44 PM
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Michael Fleming
Monday March 31, 2003 at
4:54 PM
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At a time in my life when I needed a friend, Pete Ratcliffe was there. And when I needed encouragement and guidance, he provided it. Quite simply, Pete was one of the finest men I've ever known - the true definition of a gentleman.
To Martha, his children and family I send my sincere condolences. To Pete I send an undying sense of fraternal love and admiration. May God bless Pete Ratcliffe.
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Timothy Jessen
Monday March 31, 2003 at
4:17 PM
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Pete was a person I will never forget! While a consummate churchman--even a church "politician," he never forgot his sense of humor. Nor his roots! Growing up in HItchins, Kentucky had an idelible mark on him. He always sympathized with the little person, and could always crack a good joke. He prayed wonderful prayers, as I heard him do for many years at the WEdnesday morning men's gatherings. He was a great Elk, and a pretty good Republican, despite being married to a pretty strong Democrat. Together, "Pete and Martha" made quite a pair. His presence will be missed, not only in Ashland and the Tri-State region, but in Carter County, and even to the Hoosier state, where he was borned.
What a great life he lived! To God be the glory!
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Beth Werner
Monday March 31, 2003 at
2:19 PM
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I am proud to be Daddy Pete's oldest grandchild, on my mother's side. When my son Jason, now almost 19, was a newborn we were fortunate enough to have a 5 generation photo taken. Minnie held on to Jason, my mom, Daddy Pete and I gathered around. Five generation photos don't happen to often. It remains one of my favorite pictures and memories. When I was very small Daddy Pete would fix me a high ball! It took me years to figure out that he had his thumb over the bottle's opening. Taking our tour of Armco was very special. It really was a rite of passage for us. At the magic age, Daddy Pete took us over, right into the plant. I can still see the big rolls of steel and the hot vats in front of me. My family spent many Easters here and at the big house looking for eggs, swinging, riding the tractor,playing in the basementand always going to church. Both of my children also got to share in some of this fun. They rode the tractor and helped Daddy Pete around the yard. Daddy Pete and Monyer always made my husband Tony and I feel welcomed on our visits. Daddy Pete always had a big hug for us as we reached the driveway. There's much more to say. But my grandfather was a kind, gentle man in my eyes. Always patient with us and our children. We are very lucky to have him as a grandfather. He really hung in there and fought hard. It's good to know when the fight is over that one goes to a better place to rest, just as Daddy Pete did.
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Paula Navratil
Monday March 31, 2003 at
11:24 AM
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Daddy Pete was my grandfather. I have fond memories of being in Bellfonte with he and Monyer. We spent many Easters and summer vacations here. We rode the tracker, went to the pool and always went to church. Church was a part of coming to Ashland. Daddy Pete imposed that belief on my mother, Barbara, who in turn imposed it on me. I am thankful for that as I have done the same with my three children. Daddy Pete was a God fearing, God loving man...all should be just like him. I will miss him but have many awesome memories that I always hold dear! He is home now....with his Lord and his maker! <><
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