Ratliff, Mary “Esther” (nee Blankenship) at peace with God on Thursday, May 18th, 2023. Beloved wife of David Ratliff; dearest mother of Jessica Swartz and Sarah (Joee Haugen) Swartz; stepmother of Jodi Grosvenor; loving grandmother of Shelby Haugen; dear sister of Louise Bradford: preceded in death by her parents, James and Beatrice Blankenship, and brothers Raymond, Curtis, and Bobby Blankenship. Our dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend.
Services: Memorial Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63129) on Saturday, May 27th at 2pm until time of service at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Esther’s memory to Open Door Animal Sanctuary appreciated.
Louise, So sorry for the loss of Ester. Have thought of all of you often Cousin
Condolences to the family during this difficult time Esther was always so happy that’s not a bad way to remember someone RIP
I’m so sorry for your loss. Esther was a very special person. She fought hard against life’s bumps in the road. She was my classmate in Alton, MO. May she Rest In Peace.
Condolences to your family, Esther. God took you too soon but we know He has a plan. I’ll always remember the good times we had at Alton High. Will see you again one day.
Esther was a special friend to me. We had some good times and laughter in high school. She will be missed dearly.
Thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this very difficult time. Esther was filled with love and laughter and kindness. RIP our dear friend ❤️
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all. I’m so glad I got to visit with Esther at our class reunion. RIP to my classmate from Alton
Condolences to the family during this difficult time. May you find peace in your many wonderful memories of Esther. Classmate Alton High School.
I went to school with Esther at Alton and had just reconnected with her on Facebook and private message where we caught up with our lives and had lovely visits. She never told me hww very ill she was. Esther was positive and upbeat in our conversations. I wish we could have reconnected sooner. I am going to miss her. I send my sincere condolences and sympathy to all her family.
So sorry for your loss. Esther was always a lot of fun to be around in school. Her smile and laughter will be missed.
I met Esther at Alton High in 1970. She was absolutely beautiful inside and out. Her gorgeous red hair always looked perfect. It didn’t take long to recognize that she was unique and literally danced to the beat of her own drum. Always encouraging with true patience and a welcome smile. She was still that same person when we reunited in October of 2022 at the Alton HS Celebration. Prayers for her family and friends. She will be missed.
My sincere condolences to the family of my friend and classmate. So glad to of visited with her at the reunion.
Sending prayers to Esther’s family at this time. Such fond memories of her when we were young. She was one of a kind. So happy to have seen her at class reunion. Rest In Peace my friend
Words cannot express the loss a family feels when their loved one leaves. My deepest sympathy to you. I will always remember the first time I met Esther at the Swartz -Potter family New Years Eve party, she was the hostess that year. It was way back on Jan 1 1985. I had a lot of fun hearing family stories, as I was about to become a new member to the family back then. I will remember Esther’s laughter and the smiles she brought with her whenever we would meet and talk together. Jessica and Sarah call or email me anytime. There is a book I found helpful. I Wasn’t Ready To Say Goodbye
Sending prayers to all of Esther’s family. Esther had such a great fun personality. Such a joy to be around!
I attended Alton High with Esther. She was always a delight to be with. So sorry to learn of her passing.