Mary Ratliff

Mary Ida Ratliff, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend, passed away on June 3, 2024, in Elizabethtown. Mary was born on February 20, 1937, in the picturesque town of Willsboro, NY to Edgar and Ethel Bashaw.

Mary's life was one defined by selfless service and compassion. Prior to retirement, Mary worked as a Social Welfare Examiner at Essex County Department of Social Services, where she dedicated her career to helping those in need, a calling she pursued with grace and kindness. Her gentle spirit and nurturing nature touched the lives of many. She also served in the United States Army in the "Women's Army Corps" earning an honorable discharge in 1957.

Mary's journey was one of adventure and exploration. She found joy in traveling the world, from the misty mountains of Scotland to the vibrant streets of London, to the beautiful landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, she created cherished memories that she held close to her heart. An active member of the Eastern Star and the Relief Society, Mary found solace and community in her faith, embodying the principles of love and generosity in all aspects of her life.

In her moments of respite, Mary delighted in the simple pleasures of life, relishing in word finds and embarking on vacations to the White Mountains in New Hampshire-a place that held a special corner in her heart.

Mary was predeceased by her loving husband James; daughter Jeannine; siblings William, Edgar (Dorothy), Ethel (Chet) Mattox, Julia Annabel (John) Bushey, and Dorothy (Harry) Montville; and her sister-in-law Christal Bashaw; her parents; and her grandson-in law-James Beaney.

Mary's legacy lives on in her beloved family, including her children Jerri Ratliff, James (Kari) Ratliff Jr., and Don (Barbara) Ratliff; her grandchildren Tyler Glanda, Jordan (Adam) Brunelle, Kaleigh (Paul) Snodgrass, Whitney Beaney, Derrick (Kristen) Ratliff, Joseph Ratliff, Trevor (Allanah) Ratliff, step-granddaughter Tenielle (Carlos) Gonzalez; great-grandchildren Wren Snodgrass, Maverick Ratliff, Isaac Glanda, Zoe Glanda, Rory Brunelle; and step-great-grandchildren Madison, Marley, and Lola, Gavin Jarvis (Hailee), and Elijah Gonzalez; step-great-great grandchild Bentley Jarvis, as well as her siblings Harry, Verne (Stella), Fred (Chris), Oril (Sharon) Bashaw, and Evelyn Dickinson; as well as Madonna Jackson and Glen Wallace Ratliff, who will forever cherish her memory.

In honor of Mary's remarkable life, a Memorial Service with military honors will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Lewis with burial to follow at the Lewis Cemetery.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick Funeral Home, 7521 Court St., Elizabethtown, NY.