Barbara Jeane Ratchford

Barbara Ratchford was born in Roselle Park, NJ on January 1, 1936 to Robert and Isabelle Carpenter. The family moved several times throughout her childhood, settling in Greenwich, CT where she graduated from Greenwich High School. Barbara went on to study at the University of Connecticut where she met the love of her life, William Ratchford.

After a brief time in Washington, DC, where Bill attended Georgetown Law School and Barbara taught high school, the couple returned to Bill’s hometown of Danbury, CT, There the two raised three children all while somehow Barbara enthralled her students in the classroom teaching English, mentored young women on the court as a tennis coach, inspired future journalists running the newspaper, and maintained boundless energy standing alongside Bill in the political arena. Barbara Ratchford was a woman ahead of her time, balancing family and career with apparent ease.

In 1981, Barbara and Bill moved to Northern Virginia where she captivated a new generation of students as a teacher of English at Yorktown High School. She saw teaching as a noble calling and a way to serve the community. Barbara incredibly carried on her career for 50 years total in the classroom. The quintessential educator, she lived to inspire and challenge her students. Those fortunate enough to have had Mrs. Ratchford were blessed by both her warm heart, charisma, and deep commitment to their learning. Her impact on the lives of literally thousands of students was immense.

In her retirement, Barbara moved to be nearer her sister and brother-in-law in Davie, FL. There she carried on her deeply held belief in community and giving back as a vibrant member of the River of Grass Unitarian Universalist Congregation. To the very end of her life, Barbara gave to the congregation, her neighbors, and all she encountered, quick to offer care, a story, maybe even a corny joke, but mainly the warmth of her huge heart.

Barbara’s passion for giving and family are abundantly clear in how all three of her own children have chosen to live their lives as public school educators. Together, Barbara’s children have brought 8 grandchildren into the world. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Bill and her two siblings, Bob and Heather.

She is survived by her three children: Shaun Ratchford of Danbury, CT, Scott Ratchford (Mary Gina) of West Hartford, CT, and Brian Ratchford (Soraya) of Lawrenceville, GA. Services will be held at a date and location to be announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DHS Ratchford Scholarship Fund care of Danbury High School, 43 Clapboard Ridge Rd., Danbury, CT 06810.