Margaret Ratliff

Margaret Ann Roddy Ratliff, 85, of Dixie passed from this life on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in St. Louis. She was born to the late Walter Joe Roddy and Bonnie Nisbett Roddy on April 29, 1932 in Jonesboro. In addition to her parents, Margaret is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ratliff; sisters, Laura Jean Roddy Watson and Bonnie Patricia Roddy Spurlock.

Margaret grew up in Monette and spent her early 20’s in St. Louis where she met her husband, Charles, while he was serving in the United States Air Force at Scott Field in Belleville, Illinois. They married May 6, 1955.

After Charles passed away in 1993, Margaret began her career as a pink lady volunteer at NEA Hospital. She worked in the gift shop and at the information desk. The ICU waiting room job was what she loved. She never met a stranger and she loved to help people. Margaret spent 22 years as an active auxilian and the last few years of her life as an honorary member.

Margaret had the trick to making the White Powder Sugar Pecan Sandie cookies. No matter how hard anyone tried, they could not make Sandies as good as Margaret. She loved to wrap Christmas gifts and make bow. Margaret wrapped presents for many years for the hospital staff. Her creations were beautiful!

Margaret was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro. She made bows and tied crosses on the prayer shawls for the FUMC Prayer Shawl Ministry. Margaret was also a member of the Care Tem at FUMC when she was able to help.
Margaret is survived by her daughter, Debbie Whitney (Gary) of Dixie; granddaughter, Tara Bellomy (David) of Jonesboro; grandson, Adam Whitney of Dixie; great grandson, Carlos “Charlie” Whitney of Puebla, Mexico; brother, Bill Roddy of Jonesboro; sisters, Peggy Jumper of Eads, Tennessee and Sadie Berg of Jonesboro.

A graveside service will be held at Oaklawn cemetery at 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 21, 2017 with Rev. Patty Soward officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist First Care Team, 801 South Main, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.