Joan Marie Ratcliff passed away on Saturday, October 5th at Bayhealth Medical Center KGH.
Born in Hemphill, WV on March 21, 1926 to the late Norban and Elena Wade. She attended Welch High School. Joan married Charles E. Ratcliff, Sr. in Feb. of 1945. From that union, Patricia and Charles Ratcliff, Jr. were born. Joan had worked for many years at GC Murphy Co. in Welch, WV before moving to New Smyrna Beach, FL. After the passing of her husband, Charles, she moved to Daytona Beach, FL. There, she was employed with CAPO where she remained until poor health forced her retirement and move to Delaware to be near her daughter. She is a former member of the Ladies of the Elks #1903. Joan enjoyed Quilt Making along with other crafts as well as cooking, baking and cake decorating. She made many friends along the way and was one who enjoyed making others laugh. She will be remembered for all the little “sayings’ that she used along for her desire to feed you.
She is survived by her son, Charles Ratcliff, Jr. and wife Lillian of Chesapeake, VA, her daughter, Patricia Ratcliff Hine-Shamyer and her husband, Bruce, of Dover, DE. Six grandchildren, Scott Hine (Lori) of Hooksett, NH, Cindy Vieira (Wayne) of Dover, DE, Jason Ratcliff of Manteo, NC, Nicole Jarvis of Columbia, NC, Elena Howell (Brian) of Hertford, NC and Ty Shamyer of Phoenixville, NY. Ten Great Grandchildren, Danielle McDougall, Tyler McDougall, Skylar Vieira and Justis Vieira of Dover, DE, Jasmine Ratcliff, Manteo, NC, Alyssa Ratcliff, Chesapeake, VA, Lanna Howell, Hertford, NC, Alexis Taylor, Matthew Fournier and Landyn Jarvis of Columbia, NC. She is also survived by her brother, Norban Wade of Edgewater, FL and a sister in-law, Barbara Ratliff of Vermillion, OH, as well as several nieces and nephews whom she loved as much as her own children. The family would like to say a special Thank you to the Nursing Staff at Heritage of Dover, Capital Nursing Home, Courtland Manor and Bay Health for all the love and care they gave Joan during her stays. A special thank you to the Pastoral Care at Wesley United Methodist Church, especially to the Rev. Harry Baxter, Sigrid Mills and Patricia Lieske for all the visitations.
Friends may call Thursday eve. from 5 until 7 PM at the Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St. Dover, DE. where Services will be held at 7 PM. Interment will take place in Daytona Memorial Park, Daytona Beach, FL. Family suggests donations in Joan’s memory be made to the Wesley United Methodists Church, 209 S. State St. Dover, DE 19901 or to the American Heart Association 1151 Walker Rd. Dover, DE 19904 or to your favorite charity. GuestBook Signings and Condolences may be made via www.ambruso.com
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