Rita Rivers Ratcliffe
Rita Rivers Ratcliffe, born April 19, 1946, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, died March 28, 2008 at Brandon Regional Hospital in Brandon, Florida. Rita was a 1964 graduate of Lord Botetourt High School. She was the loving daughter of Lucy Rivers, Nee Hill, and the late Edward Rivers. Beloved wife of 39 years to Jack Ratcliffe and dearly loved mother of Eric Ratcliffe (Michelle Neill) and Grant Ratcliffe (Catherine Scheer). Rita's greatest joy and greatest comfort were her three granddaughters, Erica, Hannah and Bridget Ratcliffe; beloved sister of Michael (Kathleen), Jimmy (Dee), Danny (Sue), Patty, and Scott (Tammy). Rita was the loving daughter-in-law of the late Thelma and James Ratcliffe, loving sister-in-law of the late Linda Burnette, Nee Ratcliffe and David Burnette. Rita was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all her friends and family. Special thanks to her caregiver, Carolyn Washington, for her love and compassion throughout Rita's struggle with her illness. Long-suffering patient of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Rita was cared for at home until the day before she died. She had many difficult moments throughout her illness, but was comforted by the care and affection shown to her by her husband Jack as well as her sons and their families. Rita's funeral was held on Monday, March 31, 2008 at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home in Riverview, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to The ALS Association Florida Chapter, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, Fla., 33619-0907.
Published in the Roanoke Times on 4/6/2008.