Michael James Ratcliff Sr's Obituary
Michael Ratcliff Sr – 68 of Jackson passed away in his sleep at home on May 20, 2023. He was the son of the late Donald J. Ratcliff and the late Rosy B. Graber. Mike is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 47 years Laura F. (L'Huillier) Ratcliff; two very loved children Sarah Jane (Michael) Zalar and Michael James (Jennifer) Ratcliff Jr.; and four grandchildren, Adella Grace Zalar, Celeste Michelle Zalar, Meredith Evelyn Zalar and Ryan David Ratcliff. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved brother and soul mate Daniel Ratcliff and his youngest sister Roxane Eibel.
Mike was born in Rome, New York and relocated to Jackson at a very young age, living his entire life there. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1973 and served in the Michigan National Guard. Mike enjoyed working on motors and cars from an early age. He and his brother were often seen screaming downhill on homemade go carts Mike had put a motor on but no brakes! He loved the thrill of a go cart or minibike he had cobbled together. Auto Shop at Jackson High School fed this interest, and he became a full-on car guy. He taught his wife how to grease wheel bearings on their first date. He transferred that fondness for motors and cars to appliances in his home. He got great satisfaction fixing something himself with no need to call a repairman. When home computers came onto the scene, he got the computer bug and followed the local computer clubs and BBSs. He had both of his children in tow when he developed this bug, and they became well versed and computers and online socializing when there was very limited access. Who among us didn't like playing the “video” game The Count he brought home. Mike is leaving behind a well-worn Elvis record collection started as a young man. He enjoyed Elvis recordings and was well versed in Elvis trivia. Mike's grandchildren gave him great joy and were the willing recipients and participants of bad grandpa jokes and useless trivia. They dubbed him the “silly Grandpa”. Oh, how he loved these beautiful children.
The family will receive friends at Eineder Funeral Home – Michigan Center Chapel, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Private interment will take place at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations are made in Michael’s name to the charity of your choice.
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