Stephen Lawrence Ratliff

Stephen Lawrence Ratliff

October 4, 1942 – September 16, 2018

Stephen was born in Pueblo, CO, October 4, 1942, to L.C. and Jessie May Philips Ratliff.  At about a year of age, the family moved to Fort Sumner, NM where he lived for 58 years. He was a farmer who was President of the Fort Sumner Irrigation District for four years, President of the DeBaca County Fair Board for one year, Chairman of The Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service for many years, and a member of United Methodist Church of Fort Sumner.  An avid hunter and fisherman, Stephen retired to Ouray in 1999, where he loved to hike and jeep. While in Ouray, Stephen worked with the Ouray Trail Group, drove the Senior van, was an active member of the Lions Club, ENOHJA, and enjoyed the Curmudgeons who succeeded solving the world’s problems over a cup of coffee.  He and his wife, Patty, moved to Montrose in 2013, where they joined the Black Canyon Classic Car Club and remained members of the United Church of the San Juans.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Patricia Henn Ratliff of Montrose, CO, his son Gary Lawrence Ratliff and grandsons, Jack and Milo Ratliff, all of Littleton, CO. He also leaves his brothers Eddie Ratliff (Delynn) of Durant, OK, and Frank Ratliff (Joleen) of Pagosa Springs, CO, sister Nancy Crownover (Russell) of Cloudcroft, NM, son-in-law, Tim Benoist of Clovis, NM and many cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Amy Sinclair Ratliff and his daughters, Deborah Ratliff and Shelly Benoist.

After valiantly fighting the cancer multiple myeloma four years, Steve was able to leave his tortured body to be embraced by his Lord. He died peacefully in his home September 16, with his wife, Patty and son, Gary by his side.

A memorial service will be held September 29, at the United Church of the San Juans, at 295 N. Lena Street, Ridgway. Inurnment of his ashes will be in Fort Sumner Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hopewest Hospice or The New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranch.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.