Mary Joan Ratliff

Mary Joan (Parker) Ratliff of Bartlett, TX, passed away on February 4, 2023. Joan grew up on a cattle ranch owned by her parents Kelly C. and Yula Parker in Lampasas, TX, where she developed a love of horses. Joan graduated valedictorian of the Lampasas High School’s class of 1952. She continued to own many horses and participate in several riding clubs throughout her life.

Joan spent 40 years as a registered nurse beginning with nursing school at Breckenridge Hospital in Austin, TX. Her first nursing job was in OB/GYN for Drs. DesRosier, Wernecke, and Burke in Austin, 1966-1981; she worked in ER and ICU care for Wilbarger General Hospital in Vernon, TX, 1982-1989; and again, at Johns Community Hospital in Taylor, TX, 1989-2006. After retirement, Joan continued to work at home in her garden while also tending to her many farm animals and beloved dachshunds. She was an avid pianist and organist, as well as an amazingly talented quilter and seamstress.

Joan was preceded in death by her oldest son, Ricky Vann of Wichita Falls, TX, and granddaughter Layla Adams of Amarillo, TX.  She is survived by sisters Kay Walker of Georgetown, TX, and Sue Whitis of Burnet, TX. She is also survived by children Kathy Robinson of Tyler, TX, Diana Hawkins of Wimberley, TX, John Vann of Kingsland, TX, Kim Beckwith of Elgin, TX, Scott Beckwith of Bartlett, TX, and daughter-in-law Mary Carol Vann of Wichita Falls, TX. Grandchildren include Clayton, John, and Don Vann; Tarrah Davis and Kendel Phelps; Shannon Cates and Brandon Johnson; and Kelly Vann. Great-grandchildren include Evelynn Vann; Casady Click; Colby, Chance, and Cannon Davis; Arya and Elora Phelps; Alexandra, Baeden, and Jaxson Cates; and Delilah, Radley, Rowdy, and Violet Vann.  Great-great-grandchildren include Layla, Axton, and Maeve Click.

A family memorial will be held at a later date.