Barbara Ann Ratliff passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved the Lord and spent her life caring for others.  She was born in Buckeye, Arizona on February 26, 1942 to Wes and Dollie Smalley and was the eldest of three sisters.  Together with Betty Ann and Judy Fay, she grew up as an active country farm girl.

At the tender age of 16, she met and married the love of her life, Bobby Joe Ratliff.  Beginning in a small two-room farmhouse in Elfrida, their journey together spanned happy 67 years.  At 18 she gave birth to their first child, Robert.  Soon afterwards the family would grow to include George, Shirley, Becky, and Vangie.  Strong in their Christian faith, they answered the call to adopt and foster many more children over the years.  Barbara was a loving mother to all her children and dedicated wife who aided Bob with farm work while he was employed with Phelps Dodge.

In 1978, Bob and Barbara relocated to Morenci, AZ for a number of years before finally returning to Elfrida to live out their remaining years in the place where their journey began.  She was a beautiful, strong-willed woman, and full of life.  She was loved by all who knew her and will never be forgotten.

Barbara  is survived by her husband, Bob, 14 children, 26 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:00am at the Elfrida White Water Cemetery on North Mormon Road.