Richard Allen Ratliff
October 9, 1947 — October 22, 2024
Richard Allen Ratliff, P.E. passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 in Austin, Texas at the age of 77. He was born on Oct. 9, 1947 to Charles Richard and Agnes Marie Ratliff in Leadville, Colorado.
Richard was the oldest of five sons all born in a span of seven years. The family moved to Grants, New Mexico in 1959. On June 28, 1976 Richard married the love of his life, Debra Ann Gabitzsch on her 23rd birthday at St. Louis Catholic Church in Austin, Texas. They had a wonderful marriage for 42 years until Debra preceded Richard in death on June 9, 2018. Richard was also preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Agnes, and his brother Edward James Ratliff. Richard is survived by his brothers Charles K. Ratliff and wife Carolyn, John S. Ratliff and wife Debra from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Ronald (Norman) Ratliff and wife Theresa from Grants New Mexico. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Sharon Miller, Ramona Gabitzsch, Kathy Mladenka and husband Patrick, and his three godchildren Patrick Mladenka, Jr., Julie Maria Bowermon and Kole Robert Bowermon. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Richard graduated from Grants High School in 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree (1970) in Electrical Engineering from Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico, and a Master of Science degree (1975) in Health Physics Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. Richard worked 44 years at the Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control in Austin, Texas until he retired on February 9, 2016.
For over 30 years Richard led a non-denominational bible study every Wednesday noon at work, and prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 pm with a wonderful group of Catholic women. Richard was taught the faith at an early age by his Godmother, Alice Erskine, and practiced his faith throughout his life often being an inspiration to others. Richard and Debra were members of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Austin, Texas. Richard became a member of St. Louis Catholic Church after Debra's death. He participated in daily masses at St. Louis Church and other nearby churches. Richard leaves behind many friends. He will be greatly missed by all.
A visitation for Richard was held on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 12:30-1:30 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flatonia, Texas followed by a rosary at 1:30 PM. A funeral mass was celebrated at 2:00 PM officiated by Rev. Paul Raaz and burial took place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Flatonia, Texas. Pallbearers were Charles K. Ratliff, Jr., Ronald E. Ratliff, Ryan Ratliff, Brandin Ratliff, Patrick Mladenka, Jr., Kole Bowermon, and Kade Bowerman. Smith Funeral Home, Flatonia Texas is in charge of arrangements.