Obituary

John Lane Ratliff
Clarksburg, WV

John Lane Ratliff, age 61, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV. He was born on November 29, 1953 in Washington, PA, a son of the late Forest Coleman Ratliff and Genevieve (McKahan) Ratliff who survives.

John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Viola R. (Simmons) Ratliff, three children: daughter Darlene Pignanelli of Rochester, PA; daughter Tammy Slaughter and husband Matthew of Markleysburg, PA; son Thomas Ratliff and wife Latrisha “Trish” of Bridgeport, WV; three sisters: Emma Gentry of East Liverpool, OH; Shirley Simmons of East Liverpool, OH; and Marsha Taormina of Ohioville, PA; and five grandchildren: William, Thomas, Andrew, Caleb, and Kayleigh “Pap’s Princess.”

In addition to his father, John was preceded in death by one brother Coleman Lee Ratliff.

John had 38 years of service with Anchor Hocking, starting with Phoenix Glass. He loved to read and sing, and even wrote his own songs and poetry. At Christmas he enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus and extended his good will to help families in need. His family remembers him as being “ornery” and loved to make others laugh and enjoy themselves. John loved his family and especially his grandchildren who he loved spoiling.

John’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Fresenius Dialysis Center staff at Anmoore and especially Dr. Abdallah Geara for the special care and devotion given to John during his illness.

In honoring John’s wishes cremation services will be performed. A memorial service to honor John’s memory will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. in Todd Funeral Home, 340 Third Street, Beaver. Friends will be received beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Inurnment will be in Beaver Cemetery.