Robert Kenneth "Zeak" Ratliff

Robert Kenneth “Zeak” Ratliff, or Bob to his family and friends, was born on August 2nd, 1927 in Chouteau, OK the son of Robin Steven and Ethel Sable (Edwards) Ratliff. He was raised in a large family of three brothers and six sisters, LaRue, Pauline, Houston Darrel “HD”, Clarence Gene, Geraldine, Irene, Janice, Evelyn and Clifford Wayne. He attended school at Gideon, but with times as hard as they were and World War II raging on, he felt it necessary to help his struggling family by bringing in a paycheck driving a Taxi Cab for Tahlequah Cab Company. In 1952, he was enlisted into the United States Army, where he drove truck on the Germany /Russia border, and guarded the border during the Korean War. The family lived in Tulsa for a while and then relocated to Catoosa, where the family remained for 32 years. He was honorably discharged and returned home to begin his life. He met a beautiful young woman, Margaret Geneva Sisson, and two weeks later, on October 16th, 1954 they were wed in Henryetta, OK. They enjoyed 70 years of love, laughter memories and raised a family of three sons and one daughter, Paul David, Manuel Steven, Geneva Mae and Robert Wayne. Bob worked for PSO as Journeyman/Lineman, retiring in 1986. He was called back during the big ice storm of 1987, and was seriously injured, resulting in the loss of both of his hands. Bob was never one to give up or give in, and he continued to enjoy his life with his family and “drowning minnow” every chance he got. There was nothing better than a hunting trip to get a deer or hunting doves, with a crossbow or rifle, and gardening was enjoyed in good weather, and Bob could raise vegetables! He adored his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He had a wonderful sense of humor and never met a stranger. He appreciated every day he spent on earth and the view from his own backyard suited Bob just fine. The Lord called this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend home from his many labors on April 16th, 2025 in Tulsa, OK, surrounded by the family he adored. He was 97 years old and will never be forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother and father, one son, Manuel Ratliff, two brothers, Houston and Clarence, and four sisters, Larue Jaggers, Pauline Ellis, Geraldine David and Evelyn Staires. He also joins his very special friend and “fun seeker”, Paul Cochran.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Margaret Geneva Ratliff of Tulsa, OK, and his children, Paul Ratliff and wife Lisa of Broken Arrow, OK, Robert Ratliff and wife Brenda of Hulbert, OK, and Geneva Nuding of Tulsa, OK. He leaves one brother, Clifford Wayne Ratliff and wife Barbara of Hulbert, OK, and two sisters, Irene Coursey of Peggs, OK, and Janice Pentecost and husband Boyd of Kiefer, OK. He will live on in his 8 grandchildren, Christopher Van Dyke and wife Sasha, Robin Ratliff, Tiffany Ratliff, Michael Nuding, Jonathan Nuding and wife Kyleigh, Kallie Ratliff and fiancé Dillan, Anna Ratliff and companion Parker of Shreveport, LA, and John Ballard of Shreveport, LA. He also leaves five very special great grandchildren, Tristan Ratliff, of Owasso, Laina Van Dyke and companion Victor of Tulsa, Adalina Lyman of Tahlequah, Eliana Lyman of Tahlequah, and a new baby on the way, Austyn Nuding. He also leaves very special friends, David and Marie Yoder of Chouteau, as well as a host of friends and loved ones too many to mention.

Funeral Services for Robert Kenneth “Zeak” Ratliff will be conducted on Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor Dave Edwards officiating. The family will receive guests on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 beginning at 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Pettit Cemetery with his family.

Pallbearers for Bob include Arnold Ratliff, Kenny Pentecost, Troy Staires, Christopher Van Dyke, Michael Nuding, and Jonathan Nuding. His honorary pallbearers are all his friends at the Broken Arrow VFW and the One Arm Dove Hunt Club of Texas.