Bernadine Ratliff

Helen Bernadine Ratliff of Farmington passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at the age of 74. She was born on February 22, 1939, at Ellington, MO, daughter of the late Marvin Clayton and Mildred Alma (Miner) Ratliff. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by an infant nephew, Christopher Shane Matthews, a sister-in-law, Karen Janice Ratliff and brother-in-law, Robert Johnson. "Bernadine" as most knew her, graduated from Farmington High School in 1957. She went on to Southeast Missouri University where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Education. Later she received her Master's degree in Women's Studies. She taught American History and American Government at McClure High School in Ferguson/Florissant for 31 years. She retired from teaching in 1994 and several years later moved to Farmington to be close to family. In her retirement she mentored in the school system, took part in teaching GED studies at Farmington Correction Center and worked with the Excel Tutorial Program at MAC. Aside from Bernadine's love of her profession, she was an avid reader and a lover of animals. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Farmington where she taught Sunday School. Survivors include her sisters and brothers, John (Glenna) Ratliff, Betty Lou Johnson, Jerry Ratliff, Don (Patricia) Ratliff, David (Rosemary) Ratliff and Barbara Matthews; fifteen nieces and nephews as well as a host of great nieces and nephews. Several cousins and good friends also survive. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Thursday, December 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitation will resume Friday morning beginning at 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Funeral services will follow at First Baptist Church of Farmington at 11 a.m. with Dr. William Miller officiating. Interment will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Farmington, Animal Rescue or Farmington Educational Foundation. View the online obituary and share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, December 12, 2013 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

First Baptist Church of Farmington

Friday, December 13, 2013 , Directions Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Friday, December 13, 2013 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions