Barbara J. Ratliff

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Barbara J. Ratliff, age 74, of South Chicago Hgts, IL, formerly of Michigan City, died Monday, April 6, 2009 at St. James Hospital in Chicago Hgts, IL.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the service at the funeral home. Cremation will take place.

Barbara was born October 14, 1934 in Michigan City to Henry and Ella (Wedel) Volk, both of whom preceded her in death. She married James Poole, then she married Rayford Ratliff, both preceded her in death.

Surviving is her son James (Incha) Poole of Fontana, CA, daughters Tonia Osborne of Denver, CO, and Shirley (Herman) Reiser of LaPorte, grandchildren Ian and Eric Osborne, Sean Collier, Heather Hillmann, David Reynolds, Brittany Hall and Josh Judkins, great-grandchildren Sol Osren, Ashton Collier and Madison Hillmann, and sister Shirley (Harold) Crosby of Michigan City. She was preceded in death by son Michael Poole, daughter Joy Lindsey, brother Alfred Volk and grandson Donae Collier.

Barbara had been a homemaker. She also had been an Avon Lady for many years

Barbara was a kind and generous person. Her wit and humor will be missed by all who knew her. She loved to spend time with her family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.