Ronald Bruce Ratliff

Ronald Bruce Ratliff passed away just prior to Thanksgiving, he was born October 24, 1949 in San Angelo, Texas and lived there until Graduation from Central High School. Upon Graduation Ron enrolled at the University of Houston when he Graduated from UH Ron made his home in Houston for the next 55+ . He began his career working for the Kellogg Brown & Root and Fluor Corporations. He was preceded in death by his father Buddy Ratliff, his mother Dorothy Ratliff , many Aunts and a Uncle. He is survived by his brother Gary Ratliff (Patti) nephew Brad (Joyce) Rebecca and Liam Ratliff, Niece Kim (David Meinhardt) Sebastian, Oliver, and Benjamin Meinhardt..Aunt Carolyn Mayfield of Palm Springs, CA.and many cousins. Ron always asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas when he was at Thanksgiving. They always anticipated that he would always deliver just what they asked for at Thanksgiving. Ron was always a generous Uncle and Great Uncle to the family.

We have memories of Ron being with the Family in Ruidoso, New Mexico which was a great time for all. We stayed up in the mountains and the kids enjoyed him taking time for them. Kim especially liked his piggy back rides. He also came with us all to Big Bend National Park where he was given lots of photo opportunities as he was a wonderful photographer.

He had a love for collecting trains of various sizes and he had a interest in the adult Lego sets building some of the most intricate sets.

Here is a tribute from Bob and Annette Huth long time friends they all met at University of Houston where Annette knew they would have a strong friendship. The three of them played many hours of one of the first video games “Cranston Manor” Ron took trips with them and was always as much a friend as a family member. Their Children and Grands called him Uncle Ron being always a part of their lives Granddaughter Joey on Memorial Day 2025 announced Uncle Ron arrived “Now the whole Family is here”.

Another Tribute from Brad Ratliff, Ron's Nephew, Some memories stay with us not because of where we were but who we were with. For me, the last and greatest trip I shared with Uncle Ron will live in that sacred place. On Friday, March 30, 2018 Good Friday we set out before sunrise, buzzing with excitement, we had planned a surprise: a trip to Big Bend National Park to meet up with my Parents and Uncle Ron. We were thrilled for him to experience the beauty of the Big Bend with us for the very first time. I will never forget the look on my Parents and Uncle Ron's faces when we arrived. Shock, Joy and that unmistaken warmth that only family can bring. Together we climbed towards the South Rim, moving slowly but surely, taking in the desert wind, rugged trail, and the quiet promise of the view ahead. As we stood together looking out at that view the world opened up beneath us- endless sky, layered mountains, the kind of silence that makes you breathe a little deeper. Sharing that view with Uncle Ron felt like a gift in itself. The next day we trekked out to find Dinosaur bones, and a massive petrified tree hidden in the desert. I still remember Uncle Ron's excitement as he photographed every detail. Photography was a part of how he experienced the world. This was the best trip I ever had with my Uncle Ron. There was lots of laughter and fun times for a moment it felt like time itself paused to let us hold onto that happiness because of him : his curiosity, his quiet joy in capturing life's beauty. Uncle Ron is gone, but this memory remains bright, steady, and loved. Whenever I visit Big Bend the South Rim, or hear the click of camera shutter, I will think of him. The Family requests that anyone who would like to make a contribution to your favorite charity in Ron's name would be welcomed. We will have a small intimate Family gathering when we have his interment at a later date.