John Leonard Ratliff, 56, Enjoyed Reading & Collecting Books

He was born May 21, 1953 in Welch, West Virginia and had been a resident of Vermilion since 1964. He graduated from Vermilion High School in 1971, attended Miami University (Ohio) and graduated from Asbury College with a BA in religion in 1978.

John worked for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) as a technical liaison for the DFAS mypay website which gives all of America's military personnel the ability to access their leave and earning statements, W-2s and their travel vouchers online. Over the years, he and his colleagues received several awards for their work including one from the Secretary of Defense.

He enjoyed reading and collecting books, mostly modern first editions including fiction and science and technology. He was a Cleveland Indians and Browns fan and watched all their games. John liked to watch classic and modern movies and enjoyed all genres. He sponsored many children in the Christian Children's Fund. He loved animals, most recently sharing his home with Bones, his beloved Siamese Blue Point cat.

John was a loving, kind and generous man who will be missed by many. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Tipton Ratliff, his sisters, Janice Dale Ratliff Ellison of Kapaau, Hawaii, Beverly Gale Ratliff Owens and her husband Gary of Orlando, Florida, and Betsy Ratliff Brown and her husband Jim of Vermilion; his nephew, Scott D. Ellison and his wife Terumi and their children, Van and Mia, of Okinawa; his nieces, Brandon April Owens and her husband Drew Temple of San Diego, California and Jordan Samantha Owens of Orlando, Florida.

His father, John Dale Ratliff preceded him in death on Aug. 16, 2009.

Friends may call on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. Funeral Services will be at the funeral home on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.
Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.