Obituary of Avis Ratliff

Avis Mareé (Morgan) Ratliff, age 96, was born on October 28, 1922, in Sterling, Illinois, the daughter of Clara (Ammon) and John G.  Morgan. Avis went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2019 at home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Avis married Thomas Leon Ratliff on August 12, 1939. They were married for 72 years.

Surviving are four daughters: Kay Poston of Ellenton, FL; Susie (Don) Smith of Marinette, WI; Joy (Tom) McGraw of Hastings, NE; and Roberta (Bob) McKenna of Fort Wayne, IN. She is survived by 22 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Leon Ratliff;  sons, John Thomas Ratliff, Jimmy Leon Ratliff, Christopher Ray Ratliff, Timothy Paul Ratliff and infant daughter,  Avis. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Jim Morgan, Allen Morgan, Harry Morgan, Bill Morgan, Lawrence Morgan, John Dias;  sisters, Mary Lou Gaffey and Irene Westcott; and grandsons, Jonathan Ratliff and Brian Shook.

Avis and her husband owned and operated Ratliff’s Shopping Center in Milledgeville, IL for 26 years. Avis received Christ as her Savior at age 16 and was a faithful Christian servant all of her life. She was active in Christian Women’s Club where she led Bible Studies for many years. She was also a member of the Gideon’s Auxiliary. She was a long-time member of Harvest Time Bible Church in Rock Falls, IL. Avis was a life-long learner.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Harvest Time Bible Church, 1802 Dixon Ave. Rock Falls, IL 61071. Funeral services will follow at the church at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dalmus Meeks officiating.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, IL.

A memorial has been established to Gideon’s International.