In loving memory of

Inez L. Ratcliff
August 8, 1928 - August 16, 2017

Inez Lenora Ratcliff, age 89 of Knoxville, passed away on August 16, 2017. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a gracious grandmother and great-grandmother and a loyal friend. She was a multi-talented lady with a passion for her family and her work. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Lindsay Ratcliff; parents, Roscoe and Bertha Lovelace; siblings, John Lovelace and JoAnn Larish and grandson, Graham Ratcliff Taylor. She is survived and will be deeply missed by; daughter, Connie Ford and husband John; son, Glenard Ratcliff and wife Doren; daughter, Dawn Channell and husband Mike; son, Paul Ratcliff and wife Anita; grandchildren, Scott Taylor, Melissa Culver, Tiffany Reid, Sommer Ayers, Wesley Channell and Heather Walker; great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Ashton, Ava, Caden, Cameron, Gavin, Grayson, Dylan, Piper and Ronin. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. The family will have a Graveside Service at Jellico Cemetery in Jellico, Tn. on August 26, 2017 at 11:00 am, officiated by Jerry Ratcliff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Ratcliff family and invites you to view and sign their online guestbook below.

Tributes

Dion Menser-Andreini & Rock Andreini wrote on Aug 30, 2017:

"Our prayers are with all of Ine's family at this sad time. Ine was a remarkable woman who valued family, kindness and joy. She welcomed my sister into your family with loving kindness and leaves a special place in the hearts of our family. May you all find peace in knowing she and Bill are reunited in Spirit."

Valerie Lawson wrote on Aug 28, 2017:

"I am so sorry for your loss. Ine was a very gracious lady who always had a smile on her face. Thoughts and prayers to the family."

Evelyn Bailey wrote on Aug 25, 2017:

"I loved to see you on weekends with Ms. Flo at Sherrill Hills. As a caregiver , I felt your love to me and everyone there. We were sad to hear we will no longer see the sweet loving Inez we knew. But we can take comfort in knowing we will see you again. Can't wait. Our love to you always and to your family. In thought and prayers, Evelyn Bailey/ Caregiver of Ms. Flo."

Lori Bledsoe wrote on Aug 24, 2017:

"Watching our parents age is hard. It is harder still when it is their time to leave us. Praying for peace and comfort for you all. We love you, Connie. One step at a time..."

Robbie&Norma Belew wrote on Aug 22, 2017:

"Connie,Glen,Dawn,&Paul Sorry for your loss,God will carry you through this."

Angie Baird wrote on Aug 21, 2017:

"Loved Mrs Ratcliff! She tought me to make biscuits, do ceramics, and macrame. Nothing but great memories..wonderful teacher! Condolences to the family..."

Elizabeth Thomas wrote on Aug 21, 2017:

"My Dad, Herman Sims, was Inez's next door neighbor at Sherrill Hills, and they always looked out for each other, as did the other residents close by - they were good "neighborhood" friends. My Dad and I loved to see Inez in the halls as she and her friend Lois were always laughing and having such a good time. My Dad will miss her greatly, and we both send our love and prayers for all of her family. Rest In Peace sweet Inez! Herman Sims, Sherrill Hills, and daughter Elizabeth Thomas"

Kathy Terry Bolton wrote on Aug 21, 2017:

"I'm so sorry for you loss. She was a very special woman to people in Jellico. She will be greatly missed."

Elsie Crawford wrote on Aug 20, 2017:

"I have SO many memories of Bill and Inez, the dollhouse being one of my favorite I must say. She was such a beautiful, graceful, and loving lady. She truly added much to my childhood. My love and condolences go out to her family with their loss."

Jim Cummins wrote on Aug 20, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss . I remember her kindness and caring ways .When I was at her house she always made me feel welcome."

Wilbur Deuel wrote on Aug 20, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss. Great lady; many good memories from days past."

Suzy Hale wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"To the family of Inez, What a very special lady! Enjoyed so much having her in the salon every Wed. She will be missed. RIP sweet Inez. Suzy Hale and Verlin Duncan"

Pauline Hamblin King wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss. A very dear lady and best teacher ever. RIP Mrs Ratcliff"

Kathy Long Ivey wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"Connie Ford, Sorry to hear about your mother. You're in my thoughts and prayers."

L.C. Madron wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"Condolences to Connie and family!"

Clint & Gwen Davis wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"She was an awesome lady! Made the best chili ever. Kind sweet and always had a smile. Rest well. You have earned your reward ??????????"

Cheryl Williamson Tidwell wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"What a wonderful precious and kind woman. Prayers for the family."

Jimmy Dobson wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss"

Glenda Baird Brewster wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss such a sweet lady, prayers for all . She made the best chili around God Bless"

Angela Douglas-Musick wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"With deepest sympathy. Inez was a wonderful lady."

Phillip & Joann McGhee wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"So sorry to hear this , memories of her when I was growing up , she was a kind , sweet lady , made great food at The Doll House . Our prayers are sent"

Janice Reynolds wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"Such a wonderful lady. Prayers for your family."

Sharon Burns Marlow wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"Connie, and others, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of such a beautiful, smart, sweet soul. Your mom was the epitome of grace and honor. My heart is with you guys. Love and Prayers."

Jackie Delk Shipp wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"Mrs.Ratcliff was a wonderful teacher and friend when she taught shop in the 70s and earley 80's. Im sure all of her students will miss her including myself. Im sorry for the familys loss.God has gained an extraordinary lady,mother.wife and teacher.She will forever be in my heart and memories..love you Inez..May you rest in peace.another god angel."

Theresa Perkins wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"Very nice lady. RIP Miss. Ratcliff"

Sandra Davenport wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"A wonderful friend with whom I shared many good times at JHS. I was just thinking of her today when discovered this on FB ?"

Linda Chambers wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"Im so sorry for your loss i remember her when i was in High School in Jellico The Doll House where we always went and ate our lunch!!"

Barbara Silcox Lawson wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"She was such a sweetheart!"

Pam Bray wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss. Wonderful lady. Made the best cheeseburger in town."

Janell Taylor wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"My heart is sad to hear this. So many wonderful memories of childhood days. She was so much a part of them. Connie, my prayers are for the sweet presence of the Lord be with you and give you strength. I know she will be missed."

Willie Gene Ayers wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"I have many memories of the time Bill and Inez operated the Doll House. Dawn freaked everyone out by eating the hamburger meat raw. RIP I know you and Bill are reunited in your heavenly home. My condolences go out to your family that are left behind."

Kay Baker Elkins wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"So many childhood memories of "Iney & Bill". A full house...boistrous, loud, laughter, food, family. Loved you all. Inez adored her Bill...but I think she ruled the roost. Boundless energy is the way I remember her. She moved at a fast clip. Am sorry this day had to come."

Michelle Ford wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"Mike and Connie, Our prayers for comfort are with you. She is in heaven singing with the Angels. We love you."

Claudia Loy-McDaniel wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"Ine was one in a million. She will be greatly missed by her wonderful children, whom I consider my brothers and sisters too. God Bless you Ine. You are loved!"

Dale and Shannon Channell wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"Remembering you with heartfelt sympathy."

Donna Kay Thomas wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"That smile brings back her sweet laugh I heard so many times. She was so special to me, I hope you all know how much she meant to me and how she helped me through many difficult days as did Mamaw and Papaw Ratcliff. How blessed you are to have such a wonderful family, keep each other close. I plan to be with you in spirit at her service, please cross the road and say hello to Sarah for me????"

Chuck Cox wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"My prayers to all the family! What a wonderful lady. Even though you were very blessed to have her such a long time, that time is never long enough! Find peace in your many wonderful memories of the times you shared! Chuck Cox"