Virginia Anne Ratcliff

Virginia Anne Ratcliff, 75, of Kingman, Ind., passed away January 1, 2014 at The Stratford retirement community in Carmel, Ind.

Born on April 24,1938 in Crawfordsville, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Ralph White Carson and Ethel Gay (Wilson) Carson. She graduated from Tangier High School in 1955 and later also graduated from Danville Area Community College. A lifelong Indiana resident, Virginia made the towns of Tangier and Kingman home, before retiring with her husband Bill to their winter home in Naples, Fla.

In June 1955, she married the love of her life, George "Bill" Ratcliff, Jr., at the home of her aunt before a group of her closest friends and family.

As a dedicated mother, she devoted her early working years to rearing four children. She enjoyed helping her four sons stay active in youth sports, Cub and Boy Scouts, and 4-H programs.

She worked for two years for the RR Donnelley Corporation in Crawfordsville, Ind. and 25 years for the General Electric Company in Danville, Ill., before retiring in June 1999.

She was an avid collector of Hummel figurines and Longaberger baskets. She enjoyed visiting flea markets and garage sales searching for that next piece for her growing collection. Her love of country crafts made her a Covered Bridge Festival regular where she would both sell and share her handmade craft creations. A lifelong Purdue University sports fan, she took pleasure in following Boilermaker football and basketball games.

A member of the Tangier Friends Church and the Naples United Methodist Church, she was a woman of faith who believed in putting the combination of faith in God and the love of thy neighbor into action each day.

She is survived by her husband George "Bill" Ratcliff, Jr., three children, Stephen R. Ratcliff (wife Connie) of West Lafayette, Ind., Roderick J. Ratcliff (wife Pamela) of West Lafayette, Ind., and John R. Ratcliff (wife Robin), of Veedersburg, Ind.; grandchildren, Joseph Ratcliff, Dr. Joshua Ratcliff, Lauren Ratcliff, Justin Ratcliff, Shelby Ratcliff, Heather Bennett, and Jared Ratcliff; sister, Susan Jane Davis (husband Roy) of Pittsboro, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Michael Lee Ratcliff, and granddaughter Chelsea Ratcliff.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the wonderful staff at The Stratford and Premier Hospice of Carmel, Ind. for their excellent care and service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Tangier Friends Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or can be mailed to Sanders Funeral Care, 203 S 1st Street, Kingman, IN 47952.

Family will receive friends from 1pm till time of service at 3pm on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Sanders Funeral Care, 203 S 1st Street, Kingman with Pastor Kenneth Majors officiating. Cremation will follow with burial of cremains at Rush Creek Cemetery at a later date. Sanders Funeral Care entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com

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