John Bill Ratliff
September 5, 1939 ~ September 16, 2013
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
John Bill Ratliff, 74, died at his home early Monday Sept. 16, 2013, with family at his bedside.
Bill was born and raised in Clintwood VA., in the home of his family Luther A. Ratliff, Tona Emiline Meade, and sister Mary Mae.
When he graduated from high school in 1958 he pursued higher education at Colgate University, Yale Divinity School, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In his career he served as Minister, Counselor, and Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond Indiana. His love of foreign travel took him abroad many times to teach and to learn. Upon retiring in 2003 he devoted his time to enjoying his family. He loved hiking, music, reading, volunteering, and being with friends.
His family was the keystone of his life. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Virginia DeVilbiss Ratliff, and two daughters: Betsy Ratliff Wackett, husband Timothy Mark, grandchildren Zachary John and Juliana Huai live in Jacksonville Florida; grandson Joshua Mark lives in Phoenix Arizona. Greta Leigh Ratliff, husband Robert R. Marshall and daughter Kabita Leigh Ratliff live in Louisville KY.
There will be a memorial service in the manner of Quakers October 26, 2013 at the Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting, at 10:30 a.m.
In keeping with his value of engaging spiritually and emotionally with the world and its people, please remember him through a contribution of time and/or money to a charity of your choice.
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Bill was a truly wonderful human being, gentle, kind, and wise. He touched my life deeply. Our world was made better by his presence in it.
Blessings to all the family, as you transition–over much time–to life without Bill.
Carolyn Treadway
Sending Love, Grady & Tena
During his last class via ESR Access from Portland, OR I was one of Bill’s Pastoral Care and Counseling students. I came to his class after reading his book at ESR at the October Colloquium seminars and it did speak to my condition and influence my subsequent life. Thanks to everyone.
Bill was a long and treasured friend. Memories of him are cherished.
We send our sympathies to Virginia, Betsy and Greta.
I am very saddened to learn of the departure from this earth of such a great human being. I was a high school classmate, but never forgot my fond memories of what a great person was. The world has lost a force for good and kindness.
Rest in peace, John Bill. You are home.
Virginia, so sorry for your loss. John Bill was a classmate and a friend.My prayers are with you and the family.
We love you all. Beverly sends her love and prayers too.
Bill was one of those rare beings who quietly radiated such love and spiritual depth that he will always be remembered. His writings show such care and concern for others right up to his passing. Our prayers go out to Virginia and the rest of the family.
Love and prayers.
Bill will be missed.
Phyllis
I will be at ESR for Board of Advisors meeting at the time of Bill’s service, so I will be with you in spirit if not in the flesh. It feels like a very appropriate place to be in spiritual contact with him and you.
Love you, Ellie
Bill was a friend who opened doors for others. He arranged writing opportunities for me when I was an Earlham student and he was a man whose heart was open to hearing the pain of others.
What I gift he was to me. I am so sorry he is gone.
Ingrid
Thinking of Bill while I row, and thinking of you Virginia as I walked tonight at sunset. Much love. Mary
What a lovely picture of Bill, revealing his kind and spiritual face (and heart!). I treasure what I learned from him as an ESR colleague, and then in his retirement, and especially his centered and strong presence through CaringBridge. I miss him, and yet treasure the way Bill’s spirit lives on… I pray I might live with such grace and openness to novelty and hope! He carried within him and now dwells in that very same Light!
All my deepest sympathy!
A Ratliff Cousin,
Daughter of Grace Ratliff Ramsey
Granddaughter of James S. Ratliff
Ella Nora Ramsey Carmony
My condolences to the Ratliff family. Matthew 5:4 says: happy are those who mourn, since they will be comfort. Yes you are mourning now but soon you may be happy and comfort because God will soon bring back to life all those in his memory. Yes you may see your loved one again soon. May you find comfort from this, in your difficult days ahead.
My condolences to the Ratliff family. Matthew 5:4 says: happy are those who mourn, since they will be comfort. Yes you are mourning now but soon you may be happy and comfort because God will soon bring back to life all those in his memory. Yes you may see your loved one again soon. May you find comfort from this, in your difficult days ahead.
You Will be missed. Blessings to Virginia and family
Our family gatherings will be much more smaller without him. Thank you, Ginger, for having shared him with us.
We met bill as we were coming to Wilmington Friends Meeting and he and Virginia were preparing to sell there house and leave. So glad they got to share their mountain home. Bill will be sorely missed in Quaker Circles
We met bill as we were coming to Wilmington Friends Meeting and he and Virginia were preparing to sell there house and leave. So glad they got to share their mountain home. Bill will be sorely missed in Quaker Circles
We met bill as we were coming to Wilmington Friends Meeting and he and Virginia were preparing to sell there house and leave. So glad they got to share their mountain home. Bill will be sorely missed in Quaker Circles
I remember Bill at ESR for his kind and thoughtful ways demonstrated in a most unassuming manner.
When I decided to visit Australia and New Zealand, Bill provided me with a wealth of information. The specific reason that the info was so helpful was because Bill knew that I didn’t want to visit typical ‘tourist’ venues in the South Pacific!!
Virginia, please continue to take care.
Patricia McDaniel