Lavina (Billie) Ratliff

RICHMOND, Ind. – Lavina (Billie) Ratliff, age 96, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Brickyard (Golden Rule) Health Center in Richmond. She was born in Dilworth, MN, daughter of Edwin and Laura Stokes Anderson who preceded her in death. Billie was a 1944 graduate of Dilworth High School. She married Elmer Ratliff in 1994 and he preceded her in death in 2002. Billie was also preceded in death by her eight brothers and four sisters. She attended Spartanburg Christian Church. Billie loved her family deeply, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will miss her very much. She never forgot a birthday or a name or an event. Billie’s survivors include her two daughters, Marilyn Moor of Dublin, Ohio, and Carol (Luke) Caiazzo of Richmond, IN. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Rebecca Offenbacher, Canton, GA, Mary Walker, Dublin, OH, Anne (Frank) Ward, Galloway, OH, Sarah (Eric) Linder, Dublin, OH, Emily (Jerry) Williams, Dublin, OH, Jeff (Ivory) Moor, Lewis Center, OH and Kevin (Melissa) Rich, Richmond, IN. Billie has seven great-grandchildren, Garrett Lane, Sidney Wagers, Lawson and Rainan Linder, and Miesha, Magnus and Maxton Moor. New great-granddaughter Williams will be born in February 2023. Billie had many jobs in her lifetime as she successfully raised her daughters. She was known as a hard worker into her 80’s. Billie was always kind and very well-liked by her coworkers. She belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW most of her life, having had twin brothers on the USS Arizona when it was bombed in Pearl Harbor. Her brother, Jake, was killed and her brother, John, survived. She spent many hours donating her time to VFW canteens at train stations during and after WWII and The Korean War to welcome and provide sandwiches and coffee to our soldiers. She was also active at Richmond Senior Center and various bowling leagues where she became a bowling instructor. She was an avid crocheter, seamstress, and loved crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Billie was a huge Cincinnati Reds fan. She loved to express her feelings through writing and composing poems. Billie was crazy about Christmas, baking cookies and pies, and decorating everything in her home with tinsel, lights, trains, and animated toys! There will be no public visitation or service. Billie will be cremated and laid to rest next to her beloved Elmer in Earlham Cemetery. In lieu of visitation, her children and grandchildren will gather for a private celebration of life at a later date. Doan & Mills Funeral Home is in charge of cremation and arrangements. The family would like to thank Golden Rule staff for their loving care and compassion. Special thanks to nurse, Tony Boyett III. They would also like to thank Pastor Brian Richmond for his prayer visits and humor. Memorial contributions can be made to Spartanburg Christian Church, 6714 E 700 S, Lynn, IN 47355 or Richmond Senior Center, 1600 S 2nd St., Richmond, IN 47374 Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.