Obituary
Mrs. Patricia ‘Marlene’ (Shanks) Ratliff, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and devoted wife, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, August 14, 2024. She was 83. Marlene was born January 17, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, a daughter of the late Henry Russell Shanks and Glenna Jean (Macy) Nelson.
Marlene grew up in Indianapolis and attended Arsenal Technical High School, where she formed lifelong friendships and began her journey as a compassionate and caring individual. She later worked at Altenheim Senior Living in the Environmental Services Department, where her dedication and kindness left a lasting impact on those she served.
Marlene was a woman of simple joys. She found solace in the beauty of nature, particularly in birdwatching and she relished the camaraderie of playing cards with friends and family. An old-fashion wife, mother and grandmother and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. Marlene took great pride in attending family gatherings, especially those involving her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Marlene was a selfless soul who consistently put others before herself. Her unwavering and strong sense of duty as a wife and mother were evident in everything she did. Marlene was a woman who lived her life in accordance with her beliefs and setting an example for those around her.
Marlene is survived by her children: Patricia (Ricky) Hubbard, Linda (Mark) Perry, James (Lisa) Ratliff and Jamie Lynn Sturgell; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren as well as several siblings, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Marlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Richard ‘Bo’ Ratliff, who passed away just a few months earlier on April 10, 2024.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, with Pastor John Lee officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home.
For those choosing to make a Memorial contribution, the family kindly suggests that those be offered to Altenheim Senior Living in Indianapolis.