Maxine L. Ratcliffe, 92, of Chillicothe, passed from this life on Saturday September 16, 2023 following an extending illness. She was born March 1, 1931 in Chillicothe, to the late Ray and Maxine Detty Barclay. On August 13, 1949, she married Ervel G. "Buddy" Ratcliffe who passed on June 15, 2005.

Surviving are her son and caregiver Brian (Susan) Ratcliffe, her grandson M. Brady Ratcliffe, all of Chillicothe; sisters Wanda (Jack) Schrader, Chillicothe and Pam Bostwick, Illinois; sister-in-law Loretta Miller, Kingston, longtime friends Lloyd and Sharon Crosby (Laurelville), Lee and Joan Stephens (Waverly), as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by an infant daughter Celeste Ratcliffe, a son Ervel G. (Peter) Ratcliffe, Jr., siblings Verneda (Chuck) Sims, Ray (Bucky) Barclay, Joyce Walker, brother-in-law Bill (Peggy) Ratcliffe, and her 'girls' Scruffy and Bitzi.

Maxine was a member of First Presbyterian Church. In 1990 she retired from Mead Central Research with over 35 years of dedicated service as an Executive Secretary. While such a position seems trite and old-fashioned today, she was one of a small group of ladies, ultimate professionals, that were on the forefront of exciting and innovative years for Mead Paper, keeping dozens of managers, Directors, and VIPs on track for many years. For several years Maxine helped coordinate MCR's Christmas Cheer program that provided for many underserved families in the Ross County area. After retirement she also volunteered many hours with Adena Regional working with newborns and the Salvation Army during their holiday programs. She enjoyed her coffee, baking, making Brady his favorite chicken & dumplings, a nice high meringue, walking, various craft interests, cultivating roses, feeding hummingbirds, hosting her turn at Bunko club, crossword puzzles, and a lively game of Shanghai.

Maxine loved "E.G" for over 55 eventful years together. Persevering through threadbare childhoods, lean times, war, early loss, better times, more children, and hard-working careers, eventually learning to enjoy their retirement. They resided over the years in Chillicothe, Waverly, and Florida, living on mini-farms (Oleo Acres) and in houses they either restored, renovated, or built themselves...from scratchpad sketches fueled by 2 a.m. coffee to the final roof shingle. Together almost every step along the way, now joining hands with the daughter they didn't have the time to enjoy.

There will be no funeral service or calling hours, in keeping with her wishes Maxine was cremated. Arrangements are under the direction of Ware Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to your favorite charity or to the Ross County Humane Society in honor of her rescued girls. You may also sign her online register at www.warefh.com. Maxine had resided the last few years at Traditions, National Church Residences, Chillicothe until moving to their Memory Care unit last December. Her family wants to express their heartfelt thanks to the many dedicated staff that assisted with Maxine's journey along the way, from both the regular care support and the NCR Hospice teams, and the guidance of Pastor Aaron Hines. Having been there every day for several years we saw firsthand too many of these folks working long hours, up against thankless odds, under apparently indifferent management. The ability of the nurses, STNA's, and support staff to shield the residents from the daily frustrations not made any easier by inadequate staffing, make them true frontline heroes. They are to be applauded.

Lastly, dementia is unquestionably a horrible, selfish disease. In a matter of months, weeks, days, it can slowly rob our loved ones of the vibrant life and memories they had. As horrible as it is, it's made much worse watching them travel through this alone. If you have a family member on this journey, please take the time to visit, make a call, or send a card, even if you're no longer familiar to them - it may be the one memory they'll keep to the end.