Clifton Ray Ratliff

Clifton Ray Ratliff – age 80 of Turney, MO passed away Monday morning, February 19, 2024, in Independence. Ray was born on July 13, 1943, the son of William Clayton and Audrey (Yarbrough) Ratliff in Wellington, TX. He was a 1960 graduate of Stinnett High School in Stinnett, Texas. Ray was affectionately known to some as “Tex”. After high school he followed the wheat harvest to Missouri. Ray married Lucena Kaye (Phillips) Stults on August 10, 1968, at the First Baptist Church of Lathrop. He retired from Ford Motor Company in 1993 after 30 years of service. Ray was a member of UAW #249 in Claycomo, a lifetime member of the NRA and a longtime member of the Turney United Methodist Church. Ray loved the outdoors, from fishing to being an avid bird hunter. He collected pocket knives and was very artistic and crafty. Ray was a Boy Scout leader, a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and was an honorary warrior. He was a big man with a big heart and gave equally big hugs. Ray was a faithful man and knew his bible well. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lucena; son, Robert Clayton Ratliff; granddaughter, Katie Lundin; brothers, Butch Ratliff, Henry Ratliff, and Ed Ratliff. He is survived by his children, Thomas Stults of Independence, MO; Shelly Cantwell (Jake) of Kirbyville, MO; Becky Brison (James) of Independence, MO, and Michelle (Vaughn) Williams of Edgerton, MO;  grandchildren, Joseph, Joshua, Jeremiah, Matthew (Aja), Amanda, Jacob and Kannon (Abby); siblings, Eldon Ratliff of Amarillo, TX, Bill Ratliff (Ruthie) of Grain Valley, MO, and Clara Willis of Borger, TX; many nieces, nephews and other extended family members also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Turney United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Lathrop Cemetery in Lathrop, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com