Wendell Dean Ratcliff

Friday, January 12, 2018

Wendell Dean Ratcliff went to be with Jesus on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018. He was 87 years and 359 days old.

He was a fighter, having defeated death two precious times. He loved the Lord and was confident in his eternity.

Wendell was born in Clay County on Jan. 17, 1930 to Noble and Mary Ratcliff.

He attended and graduated from Van Buren High School.

He loved his days of running the back roads and helping his dad run the family farm. He was a worker.

After graduation he joined the Air Force where he served for four years. He worked at IBM for years and retired in 1988.

He loved mowing his yard -- especially on his 1967 Wheelhorse, farming, taking care of his garden, feeding the birds and rearranging the dishes in the dishwasher.

He was a learner. He loved reading -- everything -- but especially National Geographic magazine and the Bible. He was a giver. He gave his time, his opinion (whether wanted or not), his money, his help. He would drop everything and help any of his friends or family at any time. He was a talker. He'd talk to anyone and everyone. He loved to talk about sports and old times. He was a lover. He loved dessert, driving around, watching sports and checking the weather.

He loved his kids and enjoyed spending time with each of them -- and giving his two cents on what they should do. He loved his wife fiercely while at times driving her crazy. He was stubborn, feisty and opinionated and everyone loved him -- because he was also tender-hearted, funny and adorable.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Doris; four children, Derek (Amy) Ratcliff, Terre Haute, Garrett (Gina) Ratcliff, Brazil, Nicki (Tim) Weaver, Brownsburg, and Wendy (Chris) Danner, Fillmore; five grandchildren, Kaleb and Eli Ratcliff, Hunter (Stacey McKinnon and Taylor), Carlie Weaver and Sarah Danner; and a sister, Wilma Coward, Lafayette.

Services will be conducted Monday, Jan. 15 at Fillmore United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., followed by a 12:30 service performed by Bryan Palmer-Smith. Private family graveside service will be held later in Fillmore Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in his name to the following: Kindred Hospice, 2901 Ohio Blvd., Terre Haute, IN 47803, where he received the most tender, loving care from his "girls", or Fillmore United Methodist Church, 221 S. Main St., Fillmore, IN 46128 where he was a long-time member, usher, greeter, trustee and thoroughly enjoyed his Tuesday morning Men's Group.

Arrangements are being handled by Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville (www.bousleyfuneralhome.com).