Jean Williamson Ratcliffe

Jean Williamson Ratcliffe was born April 13, 1927, in Visalia, California. Her parents, Mabel and Al Williamson, were prominent ranchers in the San Joaquin Valley. Jean graduated with honors from the University of California at Berkley in 1949. During her graduate year she earned her teaching certificate and began her career in education in the Oakland Public Schools. While at Cal, Jean met the love of her life, Ellis, to whom she was married for 50 years before his death in 1999.

In 1957, Jean, Ellis, and their three children moved to Yakima where Jean became involved in Gilbert School P.T.A., Junior League, Leslie Loudon Guild of Memorial Hospital, St. Timothy’s Alter Guild, youth baseball and golf, and the Ladies Golf Division at the Yakima Country Club.

After years of participating in volunteer activities, Jean decided to resume her teaching career. She attended Central Washington University to renew her teaching certificate. In Yakima she began volunteering in the Head Start Program and then accepted a teaching position where she taught for 20 years, enjoying working with four- and five-year-olds and their parents.

Jean’s interests included her grandchildren, Christmas, traveling, golf, bridge, reading and gardening. Her garden was a source of pride and the setting for many parties, luncheons, picnics and family gatherings. An annual affair was the “Below Par Golf Tournament” where the Ratcliffes turned their garden into a pitch and putt golf course for the amusement of friends and family. The tournament prizes were notorious for their “originality”.

Jean was an avid baseball fan particularly when it involved the Mariners or, more importantly, her sons and grandsons. While watching the boys’ games, she would frequently say, “I can’t think of any place I would rather be.”

Jean was a great storyteller especially when it involved her own faux pas. She could find humor in the most embarrassing situations! Her positive outlook brightened the lives of her friends and family.

Everyone who knew Jean knew of her love for dogs. Friends have been heard to say, “If I come back to earth I want to come back as a Ratcliffe dog!”

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, sister and brother-in-law Fern and Hugh Kelly, and niece, Kris Kelly.

She is survived by her children Bill (Susana), Mark, Robyn (Craig) Yearout, grandchildren Justin (Sheri), Samantha, Will (Alex), Jon (Marly), and six beautiful great-grandchildren. Jean is also survived by her nephew Sam and nieces Deborah and Denise.

Jean’s family would like to thank the devoted staff and caregivers of The Terraces at Summitview, Fieldstone Orchard West, and their Adult Family Home. A special thank you to Melissa Derringer, RN, who provided care and support throughout the last year of our mother’s life.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 15, 2024, at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 4105 Richey Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Yakima Humane Society, MultiCare Memorial Home Hospice, or a charity of your choice and sent in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home (902 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902).