Patricia Ratcliff

She always said “God Bless” before we went to sleep. That has always stuck with me. She taught us the Chiquita Banana song. To this day I won’t put bananas in the refrigerator, oh no, no, no. Did the best John Wayne imitation — the walk and the voice. Falling asleep on a Friday night reading the paper while we watched Sammy Terry. Taught me how to make bread (Aunt Vera’s recipe) She made the best toast. Picked up Kat when she was sick from school (a lot) and would treat her like a queen (toast included) She loved her flowers and was great at rose bushes. She had great legs. We always had pets. She was just so cute. Always took me and my sisters to and from volleyball. Would stay and watch games when she could. She loved my dad and her children. She wasn’t judgmental, a real Christian. Loved her Diet Coke Watched The Walking Dead. I miss and love my mom.

I remember she would always get out all of her craft supplies for me to create things with. We'd make silly fun things but I always loved doing that. She also always had the most festive earrings and her goose was always in style. ❤️

I remeber the first time I met Grandma. jeff said, “She’s awesome, Drenda, she is going to love you”. He didn’t tell me two of her sisters would be there. She was awesome. She had Ana amazing smile and laugh. Man she was cute. When she held Nick for the first time I swear there were tears as she said, “I have a red headed grandkid”. I loved watching her at family gatherings loving on her kids and grandkids that she was so proud of. I am so thankful for the love and grace she showed me and welcomed me into this family. She will be missed by many.

❤️

My mom was not just a great mom, she was a very smart, funny, and caring lady. She would read the newspaper cover to cover. She read dozens of books. She loved learning about history and her books were also able to take her places she never had a chance to go. She always kept up with current events. Her favorite was, ABC Nightly News and had the hots for weatherman Rob Marciano. Above all else, she loved her kids. One at a time, but more so when we were together. She always thought of her kids Well being above her own. She sacrificed much for all of us. I’ve tried to be a good mom myself, but I could never fill her shoes. I love and miss my mom, and always will.❤️