Henry James Ratliff, age 78, was born July 25, 1931 in Fairfax, Oklahoma. He was the oldest son of Oscar and Mona Drake Ratliff. He departed this life on February 1, 2010 in Humansville, Missouri.

On February 16, 1952 he was united in marriage with Ludie Ellen Carrey and to this union four children were born. He was a loving father and grandfather.

He enjoyed fishing and going to yard sales.

Henry was a member and minister of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn. He loved to entertain the brethren in his home.

He was a landscaper by trade, and was a hard working man.

Henry lost his wife, Ludie in 2001and was united in marriage with Verma Crusha in December 2001.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ludie Ratliff; two brothers, Ralph and George Ratliff, and one sister, Emma Cochran.

He is survived by his wife, Verma; his four children, Oscar Ratliff and wife Cheri, Kenneth Ratliff, Mona McLaughlin and Jimmy Ratliff and wife Vicki; eight step-children; eight grandchildren and many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and other family members; his church family; and many friends who will all greatly miss him.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the Church of the Firstborn in Stillwater, Oklahoma with Bro. Carlos Combs and Bro. Fred Britton officiating.

Edgar and Gayle Overacker and Rhonda Ladd will provide the music. Escorts will be Lee Crusha, Jimmy Crusha, Brett Littlefield, Don Connor, Tony Imry and Kent Britton.

Interment will be in Parkland Cemetery, Parkland, Oklahoma under the direction of the Strode Funeral of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at the Cantlon Otterness Funeral Home in Buffalo, Missouri. Another visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until service time Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the church in Stillwater, Oklahoma.