Kay Louise Ratliff

Kay Louise Ratliff passed away in Tucson, Arizona, on November 27th, 2019 following eleven years of bravely living with cancer. Surrounded by her closest family in her final days, Kay’s hallmark grace, love, and humor shone brightly.

Kay was born on March 12th, 1949 in Berwyn, Illinois, to Keith A. and Janelle S. Larsen. Her older sister, Barbara, was born in 1947, and later a baby sister, Lisa, was born in 1959. Kay spent her childhood in Park Forest, Illinois, befriending the vulnerable and bringing home stray animals. In 1965 her family moved to Wood Dale, Illinois. There, Kay completed her last two years of High School, and worked at Bonwit Teller where she flourished in a high fashion retail environment.

Kay married Robert Ratliff in 1970 and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. During her college years, she acted on her interest in social work by volunteering at a local orphanage where she made a lasting impact on young lives.

Having come from an airline family, Kay was eager to continue her travel benefits, so in 1972 she began her 25-year career as a flight attendant with United Airlines. Kay and Bob lived in Alexandria, VA until 1975 when they moved to Batavia, Il.

It was a dream come true when Kay and Bob expanded their family with the addition of Michael in 1979 and Aaron in 1983. Those were busy years working and raising their boys in a home with a revolving door of neighborhood children. Kay was a fiercely devoted mother and she enjoyed every minute of it. Eager to enrich their children’s lives with global travel, they toured Australia, Canada, England, France, Hong Kong, Scotland, and Thailand. Many memorable family vacations were spent in the Hawaiian Islands. At home she entertained beautifully, preparing elegant meals for family celebrations and for Bob’s work-related gatherings. Her passion to help others was reflected in her volunteer work with several organizations including shelters for the homeless and for abused women.

Kay and Bob retired to Tucson, Arizona in 2007. When they weren’t travelling, Kay continued to entertain as she and Bob welcomed many “Casita” guests. A dog lover, she volunteered at the Tucson Humane Society where she found her devoted dog Sheila. Alongside her husband, the St. Paul’s United Methodist Food Pantry was another cause Kay dedicated time to.

Everyone loved being around Kay. She was hilarious with a quick wit. She was mischievous and fun loving. Her story-telling ability was unparalleled. She was skilled and balanced in her assessments. She was remarkably kind. She saw the good in everyone and everything. Kay was beloved.

Kay is survived by her husband of nearly fifty years, Robert Ratliff, their sons Michael Ratliff (Kenny Harrell) and Aaron Ratliff, her mother Janelle Larsen, her sisters Barbara Bjornstad and Lisa Erickson (Bob).

Kay spent the last two years of her life participating in a clinical trial with a wonderful medical team at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. The results have been so promising that the drug is now being fast-tracked by the FDA.

Celebrations of Life are being planned for early Spring in Tucson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Robert and Kay Ratliff Research fund at The University of Nebraska Foundation, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln NE, 68508.