Shirley J. Ratliff, of Italy, passed away Saturday morning, September 6, 2014 at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab in Italy. She was born in Dallas County, Texas to Leo and Lillie Burns Cates. Shirley spent the majority of her life as a seamstress until 1992 when her daughter, Pamela was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Survivors include her one son, Michael Ratliff of Dallas; a granddaughter, Heather Ledbetter of Corsicana; sister, Sue Cates of Italy; nephews, Wendell Helms and wife Delores of Waxahachie; Terry Helms of Cedar Creek; niece, Tina Duke of Italy; a special thanks to Odessay Hospice, Betty Gage, RN and Cheryl Espinosa, LVN.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Ratliff; a daughter, Pamela Ratliff Ledbetter; a sister, Patsy Anguish; and two nephews, David Hazelwood and Marvin Helms.

A visitation for family and friends will be 6 to 8 P. M. Monday, September 8, 2014 in the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Chapel in Italy.

Funeral service will be 2 PM Tuesday, September 9, 2014 in the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Chapel in Italy. Interment will follow at the Italy Cemetery.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers Memorials may be given to the Lt. Greg Pickard Memorial Fund at the First State Bank of Italy or at the Citizens National Bank.