Obituary of Barbara Jean Ratliff

Barbara Jean Ellison was born on August 31, 1939 in Monroe, Michigan. She was the daughter of the late Henry Page and the late Maybelle Ellison. She received her education from Monroe High School and graduated with the class of 1956.

Barbara met and married James Ratliff Jr. on July 3, 1965. It was from this union that came the birth of their four beautiful children. A natural caregiver, Barbara worked as a nursing assistant and always brought a personal touch to her patients. She was passionate for her career and continued working until her health prevented it. Barbara loved God and had a special relationship with Him. She was always doing something for others, often times more than for herself.

Barbara was funny, flirty and always made those around her laugh, showing off her adorable trademark: her “Dimples”. She loved to get in her car and travel all over the country and has done so since she was a young girl. Barbara enjoyed shopping and picking up her favorite items.

Above anything, Barbara loved her family dearly and truly enjoyed being a mother and grandmother. She was the master cook of the house and was always preparing meals for her family and friends to share. She had a sweet tooth and enjoyed teaching her children how to cook her infamous baked goods: cookies, pies and cakes. Her beautiful smile and kind soul will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Barbara Jean Ratliff, age 78, of Detroit, passed away at Henry Ford Hospital with her loving family at her side on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. In addition to her parents, her passing is preceded by her husband: James Ratliff Jr.; her daughter: Rose Ellison; her siblings: Ellen (the late James) Smith, Enoch (the late Sarah) Ellison, Alex Ellison, Richard Page, Charles Page and Henrietta Pree.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her children: Barry Ellison, Duorail Ratliff, Veronica Ratliff and Lonnie (Laura) Ratliff; her siblings: Evelyn (the late Pete) Austin, Danny (Mary) Page, Deborah (the late Willie) Edwards and Carolyn Page; her sister-in-law: Janella Ellison; her grandchildren: Christopher, Whitley, Tamara, Monique, Barry Jr., Sharday, Olivia, Jakai, Mantice, Soniah, Alexis, Lonnie Jr., Tremayne, Emmanuel and Gabriel; 19 great grandchildren, a special niece: Carol Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may gather on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Highway, (734) 241-7070 from 11:00am until a Home Going Celebration at 1:00pm officiated by Pastor Devin Gough from Revival Tabernacle in Detroit. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklfs.com.