Jean Ratley

DESLOGE — Dorris Jean Ratley of Desloge passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center at the age of 82 years. She was born Friday, September 10, 1926, at Elvins, daughter of the late Dewey and Alma (Stacey) McDowell. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Otto “Dyke” Ratley and a daughter, Jane Ellen Ratley.

Mrs. Ratley was a member of the First Baptist Church of Park Hills where for many years she worked in the nurseries and also at the Baptist Church of Elvins. In earlier years she did volunteer work for the American Red Cross, Blood Mobiles and the American Cancer Society. For more than 30 years she was employed by SEMO Mental Health Center where she served as Director of Admissions. Following her retirement, the Mental Health Center called her back to work on a part-time basis until last year when she retired for a second time at the age of 81.

She is survived by her daughter, Beth (Mrs. Van) Ketcherside of Bonne Terre, two grandsons, Travis and Adam Ketcherside both of St. Louis, a niece, Angela Hahn of Farmington, a special great-nephew Zac McDowell of Park Hills, a dear cousin, Sue Cole Johnson and two close friends, Kelly Johns and Davalea Bohnenkamp, as well as many other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held at the St. Francois Memorial Park near Bonne Terre at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2008 with the Rev. Stephen Brownfield officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cozean Memorial Chapel. Photo obituary and online condolences at: www.cozeanfuneralhome.com