Hazel Ratliff

Hazel Ratliff was an honest, kind and determined woman whose flair for class was birthed from humble beginnings. She was born on a farm in Grundy, Virginia on November 10, 1917 and sustained hardships that shaped her into the loving and faithful person she was.

Tragically, when Hazel was just eleven years old, her father died from injuries he sustained from being kicked by a mule. Being the oldest of five children, Hazel bore a weight of responsibility toward her siblings that stayed with her all her life. Then when she was about twelve, her mother developed ovarian cancer. Determined to provide for her family, Hazel’s mother made arrangements before her death for each of the children to live with their relatives. Under their care, young Hazel completed her education through the 8th grade and then went to work.

Still in her teens, Hazel met Clarence Ratliff and, after dating for a time, they married in 1934. Clarence worked in the coal mines of VA until the family moved to Michigan, where he took up employment at Metalcraft. And although Hazel occasionally worked part time, she was most happy being a mom to their six children. She made their home a welcome place for family and friends alike, because she liked to put on big spreads at mealtime and to grow lovely flowers that adorned the house. Fittingly, she became known as the Southern Belle of the neighborhood that included her fondness for old time country music.

Sadly, Clarence died in his fifties from complication of working in the coal mine. Over time, all the siblings migrated to Grand Rapids and enjoyed the love and care of Hazel’s family in her northwest home. Perhaps because of or despite living separately during childhood, Hazel’s brothers and sisters were very close, and she took care of them and her uncles as they aged. For all the responsibilities she took on, it’s understandable that she liked to occasionally go to local casinos to play the $.25 slots.

Hazel’s strength and resilience came in part from her faith. The old hymns sung by some of her favorite groups, like The Gaithers, were an inspiration to her. She loved her Lord and practiced a quiet faith that is captured in the Bible verse: God has shown you what is good and what the Lord requires of you—to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). Hazel did just that for her long life of 94 years.

On November 4, 2011, Hazel was hospitalized for several weeks before being transferred to a care facility for another 20 days. However, she was determined to be at home, and her children honored her wish by faithfully taking turns to care for her in the comfort of her own home.

Hazel Ratliff went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 2, 2012. She was preceded in death by her children, Don Ratliff, Jean Jourden, and Dave Ratliff. Hazel is survived by her children, Bettie (Jim) Duffy, Bill Ratliff, and Sue (Rog) Ensing; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and brother, Marshall Hess. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30-11 AM on Wednesday. Contributions in her memory to Faith Hospice would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.