of Stuttgart, AR
May 6, 1941 - April 24, 2022
Betty Jean Boyle Ratcliff of Stuttgart, AR passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday morning April 24th at her home after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Even though her failing health took her away from this world, her extraordinary heart left a beacon of light for all those she touched during her rich life. Betty had a heart of gold and a dynamic, yet sophisticated personality. She was known for her sense of style, grace, generosity, empathy, and true kindness to all she met.
Betty was born on May 6, 1941 and raised in Clarendon, AR. She is preceded in death by her parents James Franklin and Mary Jean Henry Boyle of Clarendon AR as well as a brother James Boyle of Camden, AR.
She will be remembered by her husband of 63 years Charles (Chuck) Ratcliff; her daughters, Lori Ratcliff of Stuttgart; Liz and Nicholas Clayton of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren include Amanda Simpson (Sean), Zachary Sweat (Nicole), Lindsey Gerth (Kris) and great grandchildren Hailey, Mackenzie, Landyn, Sage, Jada, Jabe, Keylee, Kadence, Remington, and Kanon. Her brother Dr Ronald Boyle of Parin, AR, sister Janet Martin of Gastonia, NC and sister-in-law Patsy Boyle of Camden, AR. She will be deeply missed as well by her 6 yr. old fur baby Tucker.
Betty grew up in Clarendon, AR where she was active on the high school basketball team, cheerleading squad and crowned Homecoming Queen at Clarendon High School. Betty went on to have a very successful career with Producers Rice Mill that spanned over 32 yrs. After retirement Betty spent many of her days in her favorite place…. her garden. It was truly her sanctuary and gave her so much joy. She also had a way with growing some of the biggest ferns her friends and family had ever seen. Betty was such a creative; she loved knitting, playing piano, singing in the car with her daughters and dancing the jitter bug. But, what truly brought her the most joy was spending time with her family and friends.
Betty was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Stuttgart and after moving to Little Rock she joined St. James Methodist.
The family would also like to extend their most sincere gratitude to Betty's loving home health nurse Kim Ward and the incredible staff at Arkansas Hospice Services.
The service will be held on Saturday April 30th, 12pm at First United Methodist Church in Stuttgart with visitation at 11am prior to service followed by a graveside burial at Shady Grove cemetery in Clarendon, AR.
Sign Guestbook
19 Condolence(s)
Mitzi Powell
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Prayers ðŸ™And Condolences
Mitzi Powell
Cindy Sells Sherman
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Chuck, Lori and family...we send prayers for you all for Peace and Grace. I had seen Betty in ages but always loved herâ¤ï¸
Joyce kirk
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Remembering Betty from school days. She was so sweet and kind . May God 💗 comfort her family.
Lynda Tipton Peacock
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Betty was the sister to my good friend Janet. So sorry to hear of Betty's passing. My prayers are for strength for all who loved her.
Betty (Moore) Atkins
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Sorry for your loss, I lived in Clarendon but didn’t go to school with any of the Boyles but knew the family, Her brother Ronnie, was my age & a friend, I ran in to Betty one day in Little Rock & caught up with family news, she was a beautiful lady , May God bless the family
Phyllis McKay Spence
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Sending our prayers to Betty’s family from the children of J. D. and Virginia McKay. In our early years we lived across from the Boyles and enjoyed many happy times together. Very grateful for the blessing of knowing Betty. Love, Phyllis, Donnie, and Doug McKay.
Newton Meredith
Friday, April 29, 2022
My condolences to the family. Betty was a very sweet and friendly classmate, may God bless
Sanford Hutson MD
Friday, April 29, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Betty's passing last Sunday. My younger days in Clarendon have left memories of Betty and her close friends, even though she was a year or two ahead of me in my early Clarendon school days. I later often chatted with Betty when I was working in Little Rock in the 1990s. Bless her family at this time. Sanford E Hutson MD
Harriet Eason Bynum
Friday, April 29, 2022
Betty was an idol of mine while growing up in Clarendon. She always had a wonderful smile and an encouraging word!
Harriet Bynum
Norma Jean Rittman and Family
Thursday, April 28, 2022
To Betty ‘s Family. Our love and Heart saddens for Betty departure from this earth to Heaven. She is in the best Place. Mine and Billy’s friendship is so treasured now till the end. Love to Chuck, Lori and Beth (Liz). Great and Loving Memories. Blessing to you.
Janice Terrell
Thursday, April 28, 2022
I have so many special memories of Betty. Prayers for the family from one of her Producers family.
Gilda Henry
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Remembering Betty brings joy. Family and friends are in my prayers.
Suzanne Ransom
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May God give you comfort, and peace through this. Love this family!!!
Cynthia Seidenschwarz Neyland
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Lori
I am so so sorry to hear about your mom..she was always so sweet to let us have all those sleep overs when we were young.
My heart hurts for you and your family even tho the heavens rejoice at her home coming. Luv u girl. Prayers for you
John & Rosemary McKay
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Thinking of Chuck & Family. Our Prayers are with All! Love, J.P. & Rose
Cathy Magnini
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Dear Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Just know my prayers are for comfort and peace for you all at this time of sorrowâœï¸
David B Jacobs
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Karolyn Owen Jackson
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Condolences to the family.
Linda Nutt ,Bill Lockridge
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Gone but never forgotten 💔ðŸ˜â¤ï¸ðŸ™