Helen Ratliff

HELEN JOSEPHINE RATLIFF:  May 16, 1918 – July 29, 2023

Helen Josephine Ratliff peacefully went to be with the Lord on July 29, 2023 at the age 105 at her home in Perry, Oklahoma.

Helen was born on May 16, 1918 in Ford, Oklahoma to her loving parents Harry and Bessie Domeny.  She was raised on a farm with four siblings, Elmer, Earl, Edith and Beulah. On May 16, 1937 during the great depression and dust bowl days, she married the love of her life Erwin Earl Ratliff at the home of the groom on a farm in Noble County, Oklahoma. Together they raised two children, Bob and Carolyn, on a farm in Red Rock, Oklahoma.

Helen and Earl lived on their farm in Red Rock, Oklahoma for 60 years, until 1997 when Earl went to be with the Lord. She was a dedicated farmer/rancher’s wife who adored working beside her husband, raising animals and having dogs on their farm. Helen loved to hold Earl’s hand while they were sitting in their chairs after a long day of work. She enjoyed having a large garden (which she continued even after moving from her farm and well into her late 90’s), canning vegetables, quilting, sewing, crocheting blankets and entertaining friends. Helen was a faithful member of the Ceres Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher and enjoyed being a hostess for large groups. She was also very involved with her community and was a member of Eastern Star, 4-H, the Sewing Club, Home Demonstration Club, Red Hat Club, and traveled around the state judging at local fairs. When she moved to Perry, Oklahoma she became an active and faithful member of The First Baptist Church. Her love for the Lord extended to a love for angels, with her home adorned in little angels and an angel tree. She loved serving others in her home, visiting people in the nursing home, home bound church members, and regularly driving those who couldn’t to church and went on many trips with her Sunday school class. She loved to travel and took trips to Florida, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas to visit family.  For many years she took care of her great-grandchildren after school and would exercise by walking to her daughters house. She loved her family dearly, always telling them “I love you the mostest!” as they left her home. Helen will always be remembered as an indescribable and irreplaceable member of her family and the community.

Helen is survived by her daughter Carolyn Davis and husband Tom of Perry; daughter-in-law Bessie Ratliff of Redrock; four grandchildren; Rusty Davis of Perry, Randy Davis and wife Gaye of Stillwater, Jan Burk and husband Ricky of Red Rock; Cindy Lane and husband Darin of Redrock. Eight great grandchildren; Dustin Ratliff and wife Stephanie of Redrock, Devin Ratliff and wife Ashley of Cashion , Kelbi Klinger and husband Austin of Redrock, Gavin Burk of Red Rock, Logan Davis of Stillwater, Natalie McCarty and husband Connor of Stillwater, Katie Cantrell and husband Blay of Stillwater, Kort Davis of Tonkawa. Seven great-great grandchildren; Collin, Connor, and Carson Ratliff of Redrock, Gage and Colt Klinger of Red Rock, Weston Ratliff, and Paxton Ratliff. 

Helen was predceded in death by her parents, four siblings; loving husband of 60 years, Earl Ratliff; son, Bob Ratliff of Red Rock; grandson Bobby Gene Ratliff and wife Faye of Red Rock, and great granddaughter Brandi Lane of Red Rock.

Family and friends are invited to stop by Brown-Duggar Funeral Home, 1010 N 7^th St, Perry, Oklahoma, on Friday. August 4, 2023 from 9am - 5pm to sign her book and pay their respects.   Helen’s family will be present Friday evening from 5pm -8pm for a time of fellowship.  Refreshments will be served. 

The celebration of Helen’s life will be held on August 5, 2023, at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church, 601 N. 7^th St, Perry.  Brother Kim Hays will officiate.  Casket bearers for the service will include Dustin Ratliff, Austin Klinger, Gavin Burk, Logan Davis, Connor McCarty. Kort Davis, and Blay Cantrell.  Honorary bearers are Ron Jolly and Mark Davis.