Ora Grogan Ratcliff

Ora Grogan Ratcliff of Martinsville died Thursday, August 11, 2011 at her residence. Born November 23, 1913 in the Horsepasture district of Henry County, she was the daughter of the late James Lincoln Grogan and the late Ida Cayton Grogan. Her husband, William C. Ratcliff, Sr. died on May 29, 1991. She was also preceded in death by sisters, Irene G. Slaydon, Alice G. Caudell, Mattie G. Wilson and Mamie G. Bivins; brothers, Lincoln Grogan and James B. Grogan.

After graduating from Spencer-Penn High School and Blackstone College, she worked as secretary and bookkeeper for the late Mayor J. W. Booker and in later years worked with her husband in the operation of Cooper and Ratcliff Supermarkets. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Martinsville where she taught Sunday school in the Junior Department before joining the Mary Kirk Bible Class. She was a member of the First Baptist Sanctuary Choir for 39 years; a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority where she served in all offices; charter member of Chatmoss Country Club and filled every office of the Ladies Golf Association before resigning in 1990; charter member of Chatmoss Village Council; member of Piedmont Arts and a Docent volunteer and also served in fund drives for the heart, cancer and arthritis foundation’s.

She is survived by one son, William C. Ratcliff, Jr. and wife, Kitty of Martinsville; one grandson, William C. Ratcliff, III, one granddaughter, Elizabeth Ratcliff Maiden; one great-grandson, Shawn Michael Ratcliff.

A memorial service will be held Monday, August 15, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Martinsville with Dr. Dennis Knight, the Rev. John Fulcher and the Rev. Doug Ramsey officiating. Interment will be private.

The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville Chapel.

To express condolences o line, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.