Richard Allen Ratliff

Richard Allen Ratliff, P.E. passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 at the age of 77. He was born on Oct. 9, 1947 to Charles Richard and Agnes Maria 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. One 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 John S. Ratliff from Albuquerque, New Mexico and his brother Ronald (Norm) Ratliff from Grants, New Mexico. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Kathy Mladenka, her husband Patrick and his three God children Patrick Mladenka, Jr., Julie Marie Bowermon and Kole Robert Bowermon. He is also survived by Debra’s other two sisters Sharon Miller and Ramona Gabitzsch and their children. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard 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 God Mother, 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 and other relatives and he will be greatly missed by all. He went to be with the Lord with thanksgiving and great expectations!

A visitation for Richard will be from 12:30-1:30 PM on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flatonia, Texas followed by a rosary starting at 1:30 PM. A funeral mass will begin at 2:00 PM officiated by Rev. Paul Raaz and burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Flatonia, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, family welcomes donations made in memory of Richard Allen Ratliff to Saint Louis King of France Catholic Church, Austin, Texas or Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Grants, New Mexico.