Ahniwake "Janie" Ratliff

Ahniwake Ratliff, or also known as Janie, was born July 27, 1952 in Tahlequah, OK, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth “Lizzy” (Wolfe) Ratliff. Janie was the oldest girl of the family, raised in the countryside of Cherokee County with her three siblings, CB, Theresa and Nora, hanging out at the nearby creeks and swimming holes where she enjoyed time with her friends. She went on to graduate from Tahlequah HS in 1970. Janie was blessed with one daughter, Lyvia and cherished her grandbabies, never failing to ask about how they are doing. She was continuously looking to keep her hands busy, whether it was working on craft projects, doodling in coloring books or working crossword puzzles. There was always a story to tell or someone she was calling to chat with on the phone. She had an ornery side and was a bit of a handful at times, but her family treasured and adored her for the unique woman she was. Her health began to fail and on Saturday, March 15, 2025, Janie passed from this life in Gore, OK at the age of 72 years old. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She has gone on to join her parents, Frank and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Ratliff, one brother, CB Ratliff and one sister, Nora Ratliff.

Her memory lives on through her one daughter, Lyvia Ahniwake Jordan of Webbers Falls, OK and one sister, Theresa Glenn and husband Ronald of Tahlequah, OK. She also leaves her three precious grandchildren, Dominic Hammons of Muskogee, OK, DaSeanta Hammons and companion, Makayla Littledeer of Stilwell, OK and Dalton McDaniel of Webbers Falls, OK along with one great-grandbaby, Adonis Hammons and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Funeral service for Janie will be held Monday, March 24, 2025 at 2:00pm at Reed-Culver Chapel with Chaplain Rodnie Groomer officiating. She will be laid to rest with her family at Pettit Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers include Dominic Hammons, DaSeanta Hammons, Dalton McDaniel and Adonis Hammons.