Luther Ratliff

Ratliff, Luther Wayne Passed away peacefully, Thursday morning, January 12, 2017. Wayne was born July 31, 1935 in Decatur, AL the son of the late Toney and Katie (Washburn) Ratliff. He worked most of his life at Fuller Transmission (later Eaton Corporation) where he retired. He had a great sense of humor, enjoyed spending time with his family, playing his guitar and harmonica, and in later years, the companionship of his cat "Smoke". When he was only one year old, he contracted polio, resulting in the complete paralysis of his legs. Despite this physical setback, he lived a fulfilling and independent life. On June 13, 1984, he was united in marriage to his wife Mary who preceded him in death October 6, 2006. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Betty; a son Dan Ratliff; brothers John Ratliff and Wilburn Ratliff (and spouse Judy); and sister Wanda Harrison (and spouse Dave). Wayne is survived by his children Ed (BJ) Ratliff of Bonaire, GA, Lori Ratliff-Lopez of Portage, and Steve (Jai) Ratliff of Redfield, AR; step-children, Roxanne Fitzpatrick of Janesville, Wisconsin, Alan (Carrie) Fitzpatrick of Kalamazoo, Tonya (Brad) Glessner of Kalamazoo; brother Dr. James (Doris) Ratliff of Decatur, AL.; sister-in-law Janice Ratliff of Portage; and ten grandchildren. Friends may meet the family from 1:00-2:00pm on Tuesday, January 17 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., where services will be held at 2:00pm. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Kairos Dwelling, 2945 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048 or by website, kairosdwelling@aol.com. To view Wayne's personalized guestbook please visit www.langelands.com.