Abilene Harjo Ratcliff

© Durant Daily Democrat - December 1, 2008

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

Services to celebrate the life of Abilene Harjo Ratcliff, 80, of Durant, who passed away Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Brown's Funeral Service Chapel. Bro. Daryl Bunch will officiate.

Abilene was born July 19, 1928, in Seminole County to Lena and Nora Wood Harjo.

She married John Author Ratcliff on July 10, 1946, in Wichita, Kan.

She moved to Bryan County in the early '50s and began raising her children.

She worked at Lake Texoma Lodge until her retirement.

She was a very dedicated and devoted wife and loving mother to her seven children. She enjoyed spending time with all her family and friends and cooking. Abilene will be greatly missed by all who knew and love her.

Abilene was preceded in death by her husband, John Author Ratcliff; father, Lena Harjo; mother, Nora McGowen; step-father, John McGowen; sister, Pat Collins; and brother, Dennis Harjo.

Abilene is survived by her children, Phillip Ratcliff and wife Suzanne of Davidson, Sherry Ratcliff of Durant, Allen Ratcliff of Durant, Morris Ratcliff and wife Laura of Denison, Texas, Curtis Ratcliff and wife Julie of Durant, Terri Murray of Durant, and Brenda Stallion and husband Gary of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Betty Tanyan of Seminole; brothers, George Harjo of Oklahoma City, Richard Harjo of Seminole and Timmy Harjo of Seminole; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and a host of dear and loved friends.

Interment will be in Gethsemane Cemetery in Caddo with Matthew Tucker, Chad Ratcliff, Evan Ratcliff, Tyler Ratcliff, Henry Byrd and Bobby Turner serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home today from 6-8 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice. com.

Brown's Funeral Service, Durant is handling the arrangements.