John Dale Ratliff

John Dale Ratliff, 83 of Vermilion, died Sunday, August 16, 2009 in Community Health Partners, Lorain after a sudden illness. He was born March 14, 1926 in Thorpe, WV and has been a Vermilion resident since 1964 moving from West Virginia. He worked as an industrial carpenter out of the Lorain Carpenters Union #305 for 20 years, retiring in 1985. He had also worked as a supervisor at Ford Motor Co., Lorain, and as a supervisor in the coal mines in West Virginia for 20 years. He was a member of Zenobia Shrine, Toledo; Firelands Shrine, Scottish Rite Valley of Cleveland, Scottish Rite Lorain County, Ely Masonic Lodge #424, Madeline Chapter #204 E.O.S., AMVETS Post #22, VFW Post #7576, USS Montpilier Association, and a 44 year member of AA. He enjoyed woodworking, furniture building, and handyman work. Survivors include his wife of 61 years as of Aug. 16, 2009, Barbara Ratliff (nee Tipton), daughters: Janice Dale Ellison of Kapaau, Hawaii, Beverly Gale (Gary) Owens of Orlando, FL, and Betsy J. (Jim) Brown of Vermilion; son, John L. Ratliff of Vermilion; 3 grandchildren, Scott (Terumi) Ellison of Okinawa, Japan, Brandon April (Drew Temple) Owens of San Diego, CA, and Jordan S. Owens of Orlando, FL; 2 great-grandchildren, Van and Mia Ellison and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, George Nelson and Rhoda (nee Sexton) Ratliff , 3 brothers: Woodrow "Woody" Ratcliff, Charles "T" Ratcliff, and James A. Ratliff; and 3 sisters: Georgia Sullivan, Christine Farmer, and Irene Ratliff. Friends may call Thursday, August 20, 2009 from 4-8 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio where there will be an AA service at 7:30 pm followed by a Masonic service. Services will be held at the Riddle Funeral Home, Friday, August 21, 2009 at 11:00 am. Reverend Stephen Buckner will officiate. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Zenobia Shrine, P.O. Box 437, Toledo, Ohio 43624. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com