Obituary for Mary Kathleen Hall Ratcliff
Mary Kathleen Hall Ratcliff, age 102, flew away in the arms of angels on November 23, 2022. Mama was born in Newbern, Va., and grew up in Pulaski, Va. She received her high school diploma, which she was so proud of. Mama lived a wonderful life, always taking care of everyone, especially her family. Her family was everything to her. After Daddy died, she came to live with her daughter, Sue and her husband… and Sue’s mother-in-law came soon afterward, and they had the best time together for the next 12 years. We lost Ruth due to Covid on Valentine’s Day and then Mama started transitioning. November 20, at 9:30 p.m., which was a very important day in her life, and we lost her the day before Thanksgiving, losing both our mom’s the same year. Mama waited for that call, text or visit, since November 2019, and just could not hold on any longer. Always had an open door for visits and phone calls from her loved ones, especially driving by the road to our house every day. Mama is now with her beloved Walter, whom she loved to the moon and back. In the last few months of her life, she started calling me her “Mama”, and for that I feel so blessed.
Mama is survived by her only daughter, Sue Ratcliff Blackwell and husband Gary, and lil’ Buttons whom she loved so much. Oh, we had our bad days just like any normal family, but nothing that would keep us from each other. Mama and Daddy had my heart and soul, and they loved me the same. I would have given my last breath for them. My greatest accomplishment was being the caregiver for both of our dads, and then our moms. They depended on me 24/7, and I know how much they appreciated everything I did for them, no matter what came up…. Their motto was “Sue can do it”. She has been with me my whole life and I don’t know how I will be able to live without her.
Mama is predeceased by her loving husband of 81 years, John Walter Ratcliff, her mother and father, Ezra D. and Mollie Susan Altizer Hall, brothers, Marvin Hall and Cecil Hall, and Sister, Audrey Irene Hall. She has several nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.
I would like to thank Nobel Senior Living and all the girls there that gave mom so much love and attention, Medi Home Hospice, Nurse Marcia and Chaplain Mike, and the aids that took such loving care of mom, and her favorite Dr. Matt Skews, and Dr. Ediel. She loved each and everyone of you.
As per mom’s request, her services were private.
Always love your mom, and grandmom that raised you, and do for them while here on earth…. I promise you won’t regret it… you will never have another mom and grandmother that gave you everything… standing behind you on your darkest days…. Celebrate them each day… never letting a SPOUSE or little upsets or misunderstandings come between you and your loved ones… you only have one chance… your parents and your grandmother that raised you are YOUR heart and soul. The feel of those sweet, soft hands that worked so hard to give us everything meant more to me than silver or gold.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski. 540-980-1700