Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Gerald Ratliff, 88, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, who passed away Sunday, December 3, 2017, at his home.
He was born May 17, 1929, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Ora Ratliff and Blanche (Chaney) Rankin.
Gerald served as a chief petty officer in the United States Navy for over 20 years. He enjoyed doing yard work and spending time with his grandchildren and especially his loyal companion, Golden Retriever “Simba.”
On October 24, 1953, in LaPorte, Indiana, he married Barbara L. Keller Ratliff, who preceded him in death July 2, 2010.
He is survived by his son, Gerald R. (Sharon) Ratliff of Rolling Prairie; daughter, Mary Beth (Tim) Ball of Rolling Prairie; seven grandchildren, Ross Ratliff, Deanna Ratliff, Stephanie Heron, Megan Gaines, Shannon Szabo, Caitlin Szabo, and Gretchen Szabo; and four great-grandchildren.
Gerald was preceded in death by both his parents; two brothers, Paul Ratliff and Ora W. Ratliff Jr.; and three sisters, Joan Miller, Shirley Smith and Beverly Landers.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Tuesday, December 12, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Wednesday, December 13, from 9 to 10 a.m. A life celebration will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Foster Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Navy Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph St., Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203-1977.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.