James & Lela "Jeanie"
James & Lela "Jeanie" Ratliff
New Castle
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear parents and grandparents. James Alfred and Lela Emogene “Jeanie” Ratliff passed away just two days apart. James, age 94, was born December 17, 1929 in Henry County, Indiana to the late Merritt and Sophia (Swartz) Ratliff and passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024. Jeanie, age 93, was born April 5, 1931 in Hancock County, Indiana to the late Merton G. and Treva Faye (Guynn) Hunley and passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
They were married on May 28, 1949 and had over 75 wonderful years together. Meeting on a bus to the skating rink added a special touch to their story.
Jeanie’s roots started in Shirley, Indiana and graduated from Wilkinson High School. She found joy in flowers, gardening, canning, yard work, bowling, birdwatching in her “sanctuary” and spending time with the Mothers' Club. Additionally, her passion for crocheting allowed her to create meaningful blankets for her children and grandchildren, leaving a legacy of warmth and care. She was a volunteer with the American Red Cross at the Henry County Memorial Hospital and Sunday school teacher for over 14 years.
Jim was a graduate of Kennard High School then later joined the Army National Guard. His career spanned years at Meadow Gold Dairy and later with Prudential Insurance until retirement in 1988. He enjoys gardening and was a member of Master’s Men. Jim found great joy on the golf course. He dedicated Tuesdays and Thursdays to playing the sport he cherished, playing one week before his passing.
They spent their winters together in Gulf Shores, Alabama and loved spending time with their family and grandchildren. Their dedication to their faith was evident through their longstanding membership at the First Bible Free Will Baptist Church.
Together, they are survived by their children, Diane Parker, Becky (Rick) Baldock, Anita (Rodney) Huse and James A. Ratliff II; grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Razor, Tiffanie Baldock, Alan Baldock, Scott (Teri) Huse, Bradley (Donna) Huse, Derrick (Mandy) Huse, Kristina (Matt) Thomas, Tara (Brian) Holcomb and James (Siri) Ratliff III; 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
They are preceded in death by their parents; Jeanie’s infant sister, Lois Hunley and Jim’s sister, Doris Harvey.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Alan Boles officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Bible Free Will Baptist Church, 2302 Spring St, New Castle, IN 47362. You may express condolences or share a memory of Jim and Jeanie at www.hinsey-brown.com.
They were married on May 28, 1949 and had over 75 wonderful years together. Meeting on a bus to the skating rink added a special touch to their story.
Jeanie’s roots started in Shirley, Indiana and graduated from Wilkinson High School. She found joy in flowers, gardening, canning, yard work, bowling, birdwatching in her “sanctuary” and spending time with the Mothers' Club. Additionally, her passion for crocheting allowed her to create meaningful blankets for her children and grandchildren, leaving a legacy of warmth and care. She was a volunteer with the American Red Cross at the Henry County Memorial Hospital and Sunday school teacher for over 14 years.
Jim was a graduate of Kennard High School then later joined the Army National Guard. His career spanned years at Meadow Gold Dairy and later with Prudential Insurance until retirement in 1988. He enjoys gardening and was a member of Master’s Men. Jim found great joy on the golf course. He dedicated Tuesdays and Thursdays to playing the sport he cherished, playing one week before his passing.
They spent their winters together in Gulf Shores, Alabama and loved spending time with their family and grandchildren. Their dedication to their faith was evident through their longstanding membership at the First Bible Free Will Baptist Church.
Together, they are survived by their children, Diane Parker, Becky (Rick) Baldock, Anita (Rodney) Huse and James A. Ratliff II; grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Razor, Tiffanie Baldock, Alan Baldock, Scott (Teri) Huse, Bradley (Donna) Huse, Derrick (Mandy) Huse, Kristina (Matt) Thomas, Tara (Brian) Holcomb and James (Siri) Ratliff III; 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
They are preceded in death by their parents; Jeanie’s infant sister, Lois Hunley and Jim’s sister, Doris Harvey.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Alan Boles officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Bible Free Will Baptist Church, 2302 Spring St, New Castle, IN 47362. You may express condolences or share a memory of Jim and Jeanie at www.hinsey-brown.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James & Lela "Jeanie" Ratliff, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, June 8, 2024
12:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Funeral Service
Saturday, June 8, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
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