Evelyn Marie (Bloss) Ratliff, 82, of Cameron, Missouri, was born July 6, 1944, in Brookfield, Missouri, and passed away July 22, 2026. Evelyn will be remembered as a cherished presence—gentle in spirit, kind-hearted in the ways that mattered most, and devoted to those she loved.
Evelyn spent her working years in steady service at Pioneer Container in North Kansas City. She took pride in the important responsibility of inspecting bags of grain and animal food, and during the Vietnam War, even sandbags, carefully checking for tears and other quality issues. Her work reflected the quiet diligence and care that marked so much of her life.
In 1960, Evelyn married the love of her life, Charles Ratliff. Together they welcomed two daughters, Jeanna and Madonna, and shared a marriage that reached its 50th anniversary before Charles passed away in 2012. Evelyn’s devotion to her family remained the center of her days, expressed through her constant care, her steadfast support, and the warmth she brought to every gathering.
Evelyn found joy in creativity and in the simple beauty of making something by hand. She loved many kinds of crafts, painting small ceramic figures and learning floral arranging—becoming so skilled that she created floral arrangements for multiple weddings within her family. Her gentle touch could be seen in every detail, and her kindness was felt in every gift of time and talent she offered.
She was also well-known for her love of animals of all kinds. Evelyn delighted in watching hummingbirds, kept a horse-themed bedroom and a rooster-themed kitchen, and over the years helped many family members welcome dogs and cats into their homes. She could often be found caring for stray cats in her neighborhood, even building them small houses so they would not be cold. She hated the winter and did not want the critters to have to hate it, too—a simple sentiment that spoke volumes about her tender heart.
Above all else, Evelyn loved her family. She took great pleasure in time spent with her children and grandchildren, preparing feasts and serving delicious desserts, and creating innumerable memories that will be carried forward with gratitude and love.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her mother, Opal (Boley) Bloss; her father, Earl Bloss; her husband, Charles Ratliff; her brother, Harry "Shorty" Bloss; her sister, Juanita McNeece; her close friends, Rosalie and Sammy Gardener; and her best friend, Sandy Salmon.
She is survived by her daughters, Jeanna Brassfield (Edward) and Madonna Spencer; her grandchildren, Brandi Spencer (Chris Holman), Jeremy Preator, Charles Brassfield (Alyssa), Joshua Preator, Kaylee Wadley (Blane), and Jacob Preator; and 3 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 12 p.m. at Church Archer Pasley Funeral Home, 119 East Franklin Street, Liberty, Missouri, with the Celebration of Life to follow at 2 p.m. Evelyn will then be reunited with her beloved husband, Charles, at Glenridge Cemetery, located on B Highway in Liberty, Missouri.
