Mary Lou Ratliff, 90 of Portsmouth passed away on Thursday October 9, 2025
at Hillview Retirement Center.
Mary Lou was born November 12, 1934, in Portsmouth and was the daughter of the late Fred
and Thelma Jones. She was a Portsmouth High School graduate and in her early years she
worked at Williams Shoe factory, then went on to work as a clerk at the Scioto County
Recorder’s Office and retired after 34 years.
Mary Lou loved and participated in many sports. In her younger years, she was very athletic
and enjoyed playing softball and later she took up bowling and was involved with various
bowling leagues over the years. After retiring, Mary Lou was very active in the Shawnee State
Golden Bears.
As family matriarch to three generations, she led vacations, holidays, and traditions, including
her annual Christmas Eve party which many had attended over the years as well as many
summer barbecues and is fondly known as “Nana” to many that weren’t even related.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years Robert “Bob” Ratliff, Sr., her
grandson Christopher Foster, sister Emma Jean Myers, and brother-in-law Gene Myers.
She is survived by her children, Jeanie Ratliff Cole (Phil) of Columbus; Robert Ratliff, Jr. (Diana)
of Portsmouth, and Sherri Ratliff of Portsmouth. She is also survived by her grandchildren,
Ashley Ratliff Spille (Eric), Katelynn Cole Martin (Zac), Meredith Cole Brink (Andy), Olivia Cole
Pfister (Tyler), Chandler Cole (Jordan), Hannah Foster Taylor (Brett) and Jeremy Rhea. 17 Great
grandchildren – Addyson, Harper, Will, Caleb, Hadley, Emma, Evelyn, Avery, Finley, Tatum,
Levi, Josie, Macy, Welles, Kennedy, Brooks and Grace, several special nieces, a nephew, and
their families.
Arrangements are under the direction of Daehler’s Funeral Home in Portsmouth, and will be
held on Tuesday October 14, 2025. Visitation for the family will be 11:00 – 12:00, for the public
12:00 – 1:00 with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow the services at
Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth and a celebration of life will be held at Daehler’s Funeral
Home immediately following the interment. The family wishes to thank the staff of Hillview
Retirement Center for their loving care and kindness during her time of illness.
Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary to leave a special memory of Mary Lou or condolences to
the family. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th Street,
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
