Maureen Ratliff

Maureen passed away Wednesday, May 19, at home surrounded by family and loved ones. She fought a courageous four and a half year battle with ovarian cancer. Maureen was born on June 13, 1937 in Rapid City, South Dakota to Maurice and Ruth Brophy. She was raised on a South Dakota ranch; graduated from South Dakota State College; and following in the footsteps of her mother went on to teach. During this time she met, fell in love, and married Tom Ratliff, her loving partner of 46 years. Maureen and Tom lived in South Dakota, Colorado and California. In 1973 they settled permanately in Dallas, Tx where Maureen devoted her time and talents to raising their three children. Later Maureen began a new career in the business world, working for the last decade as a licensed insurance agent for the Ratliff Insurance Agency in Dallas. Maureen loved family and family gatherings. Holiday meals that took all day (or longer) were her most cherished times. Maureen loved to garden and decorate her home, always seeing the beauty in front of her and finding joy in sharing that beauty with all around her. She enjoyed her time with the Merriman Park Estates Garden Club, where she was President in 1978 and 2004, and her Fourth Friday Dinner Club and always looked forward to their gatherings. Maureen loved movies, old and new, live plays at Theater Three and dancing to a classic Sinatra tune with Tom. Maureen will be remembered by all of those who knew and loved her for her grace, charm and kindness. Many believe she was an angel on Earth. She is survived by her husband Tom, their three children and their spouses; Karen and Jerry Dibling of Garland, Paula and Billy Hicks of Plano and Taylor and Jennifer Ratliff of Dallas; sister Beverly and husband Tom Groth of Piedmont, SD, mother Ruth Brophy of Blackhawk, SD and three grandchildren, Kari and Kabrin Dibling and Marlowe Ratliff. The family would like to thank Maureen’s doctors and caregivers for their dedication and caring devotion at Texas Oncology at Presbyterian and Faith Presbyterian Hospice. Maureen’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service to be held Tuesday, May 25 at 12:00 pm, at Sparkman-Hillcrest Northwest Hwy. Chapel. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Maureen’s honor to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (www.ocrf.org).