Charles R. Ratcliff

Charles R. “Charlie” Ratcliff, 82, of Covington, passed away 3:19am (CST) January 26, 2009 at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville following a lengthy illness. Charlie was born September 17, 1926 in Fountain County, Indiana the son of the late Everett and Ola (Wright) Ratcliff. He was a devoted husband to his wife Martha L. Ratcliff for 62 years. Charlie and Martha (Haas) were married June 2, 1945 in Veedersburg, IN. Charlie leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Martha Ratcliff; two daughters Delayne Rice (husband Wayne), Covington; Becky Schaeffer(husband Donnie), Covington; five grandchildren, Kim Phemister (husband David), Darrin Bentley (wife Dee), Sasha Query (husband Silas), Nick Williams (wife Bre), and Darci Davis; nine great-grandchildren, Lucas and Wayde Bentley, Toby Keller, Andrew, Adam, and Emily Phemister, Baylee Rush, Megan nad Mason Query, one brother James Ratcliff (wife Nancy), Williamsport. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a sister Geneva Chamness, brothers, Vester Ratcliff and Joe Ratcliff, and one granddaughter Rebecca Jane Schaeffer. Charlie served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He attended school in Kingman, Stone Bluff, and Veedersburg. He was a retired security guard for Raybestos and also ran the Highland Court truck stop for eighteen years. After retirement he loved working for his son-in-law, Wayne Rice on the farm for 14 years. He was a member of the Veedersburg United Methodist Church, F & AM Lodge # 491 and American Legion Post #288 both in Veedersburg, Terre Haute Zorah Shrine, Valley of Terre Haute Scottish Rite, and the Wallace Low 12 Club. Charlie was always a fun person and helped as a clown in the Shriner’s unit. He loved his family and greatly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved working in his garden. Funeral Service will be 11:00 am Friday January 30, 2009 at Dickerson Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday January 29, 2009 at the funeral home with Masonic service to begin at 7:30 pm. Interment at Rockfield Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.