Fern Maxine Ratliff

Fern Maxine Ratliff passed away on Friday, August 14, 2009, in Pocatello following an illness.

She was born on September 24, 1925, in Harrisville, Utah. She was the third of four children born to Evalene Geisler and Orson Asper. The family lived on a small farm in Menan, Idaho, most of Fern's early life. After graduating from Midway High School, she worked and lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho , with her best friend, Wilma Anderson Boltz.

Fern met John Thomas Ratliff while he was serving with the Air Force. They were married on April 5, 1945, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Three children blessed their home, Troy John, Gary Gene, and Connie Maxine. They raised their children in Pocatello, living in several homes throughout the years.

Fern was a very hard worker all of her life. She owned numerous rentals and was close to many of the tenants. She helped many people who were having hard times, and will be remembered by those whose lives she touched.

She enjoyed restoring dolls and crocheting clothes for them. She crocheted beautiful afghans for family members and sweaters for herself. She sewed clothes for herself, her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed camping, swimming and being with her family. She often said she wished she was “young” again.

The family is very appreciative of the excellent care given by Quality Home Care, Creekside Hospice and Ashley Manor Assisted Living.

Fern is survived by her children, Troy John (Ann), Gary Gene (Jennie), and Connie, all living in Pocatello. She has been blessed with 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She has two sisters still living, Evelyn Griffin, Corvallis, Montana, and Betty Stratten, Pocatello. She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse, John Thomas, and her brother, Claude Asper.