Betty Ratliff

Frankfort- Services for Elizabeth Mary Ratliff, 99 years, of Frankfort, will be conducted at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Jack Brewer officiating. Burial will follow at Frankfort Cemetery. Visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday. She passed away Friday, August 15th 2025, after a brief illness. Born in Lancashire, England in 1926, Mrs. Ratliff worked as a telephone operator/supervisor throughout World War II and after. In 1957, she met and married her husband Bobby Joe Ratliff of Praise, KY. They lived in Washington DC, Chateaux Roux, France and Dayton, Ohio as her husband completed his Air Force career. Upon his retirement they settled in Frankfort, where she was a homemaker until she attended Kentucky State University and received a computer science degree. She then had a distinguished state government career as a database analyst, before retiring in 1993. After her retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Ratliff spent many happy years touring the world. Mrs. Ratliff was a devoted mother and grandmother who brought warmth and laughter to her family. She had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humour, often brightening the room with her quick remarks. She loved working crossword puzzles and found joy in many creative and outdoor pursuits, including gardening, sewing, painting and writing poetry. She also had an adventurous spirit and especially cherished camping and hiking trips with her family. Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky was one of her favourite destinations, where she enjoyed long hikes to revel in the beauty of nature. She is survived by her son, Paul R. Ratliff (Paula Nakasi) Frankfort and daughter Ellen G. (Bill) Dickerson, Frankfort; three grandchildren, Ryan Bussell, Colin (Andi) Bussell and Amara Nkunda, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Ratliff was the second child of the late Arthur and Ellen Bannon Bailey. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Bobby J. Ratliff and siblings Helen Smith, Amy Switzer, Maureen Hatcher and Rhona Lloyd. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kelly Agee and Tracy Arnold for the compassionate care and kindness they provided to Mrs. Ratliff during her final months. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Ratliff to the Franklin Co. Humane Society, 100 Companion Place, Frankfort, KY 40601. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home; condolences may be shared via the online guest book at www.harrodbrothersfuneralhome.com.

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Betty Ratliff

January 14, 1926 - August 15, 2025