Betty Joan Ratliff

Betty Joan Ratliff, 94 of Pittsboro, Indiana, passed away peacefully, November 5, 2024 in Brownsburg Health Care. 

She was born March 2, 1930, in Indianapolis, Indiana, daughter of Les and Eva Adair.

Betty was a long-time volunteer at Brownsburg Health Care, calling Bingo for the residents weekly. She also volunteered many times for the Blood Drive. Before moving to Pittsboro, she was the Brownie and Girl Scout Troop Leader for her daughter’s troops in Plainfield. While her children were in Pittsboro Schools, she was a parent volunteer at the weekly summer skate in the school gym and skated along with the students. She was very much involved in her kids’ school and after-school activities.

Betty graduated in 1948 from Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis. She worked at WM. H. Block Co., in downtown Indianapolis, until she married Russell Ratliff, in June 1950. They were married until his death in 2005. They lived in Plainfield until 1964, and then moved to Pittsboro. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary in June 2000 by being remarried by their son, Pastor Greg Ratliff, and had their original best man and matron of honor stand up with them again, with many family members and friends attending.

Betty worked as cashier for Safeway Foods in Brownsburg for many years and was a demonstrator at Walmart and Marsh Foods. Betty was a charter member and past president of the Jolly Jills Homemakers Club in Plainfield in the early 1960s. After moving to Pittsboro, she was a charter member and past president of the Happy Homemakers. Betty also held several offices in the Hendricks County Extension Homemakers.

Betty previously was a member of the Jamestown Christian Church and transferred her membership to the Pittsboro Christian Church several years ago.

Survivors include daughter Beckie (Ratliff) McVay, grandchildren: JoDee Garcia (Martin), Chris Ratliff (JoAnn), Suzy Ratliff, Saun Ratliff, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Preceding her in death were her husband Russell, brother Davey, son Greg, granddaughter Jennifer Shon, and great-grandson Tyler.

Funeral Services will be held at 6pm, Monday, November 11, 2024 in Eric MD Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, where friends and family are invited to gather together from 4pm until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest in a private family service at Sparks Cemetery in Pittsboro. 

Memorials may be made to the Brownsburg Health Care Activities Department, Pittsboro Christian Church, or the Hendricks County Extension Homemakers-Betty Ratliff Memorial.

All are encouraged to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.