Dorothy G. Ratliff

Dorothea Gesina “Dorothy” Ratliff, 93, of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away on August 16, 2026, in Broomfield, Colorado.

Dorothy was born April 13, 1933, in Independence, Kansas, the daughter of Martha (Biederman) and Herman Mueller. She graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1951, then went on to Kansas State Teachers College (now Pittsburg State University), where she earned a degree in business and was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority.

On September 2, 1956, she married James Leon "Jim" Ratliff at Zion Lutheran Church in Independence, Kansas — the beginning of a marriage that would span nearly 70 years. Together, Dorothy and Jim raised four children: Michael, Kelly, Kimberly, and Jacqueline. Their family's journey took them from Topeka to Kansas City to Phoenix to Oklahoma City, before they settled in Ogallala in 1967 and put down roots that lasted a lifetime.

In Ogallala, Dorothy worked as a legal secretary and was involved in many professional women’s organizations. She became a longtime, beloved member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where she was a mainstay for decades — quilting with her group, volunteering at the church preschool, taking part in Bible studies, and organizing and serving meals for countless church events, and serving as Co-Lutheran youth group leader for many years. She brought that same generous spirit into the rest of her life, too, filling her days with gardening, golfing, baking, playing bridge, swimming, and summers with friends and family at Lake McConaughy. Always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor, friend, or family member, Dorothy's joyful and giving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, James Leon "Jim" Ratliff; her son, Michael Ratliff; and her daughter-in-law, Trish Becher.

She is survived by her daughters, Kelly Diane Ratliff of Louisburg, Kansas, Kimberly Ann Porter and husband Kelly of Broomfield, Colorado, and Jacque McNair and husband Jason of Broomfield, Colorado; her daughter-in-law, Kelly Ratliff of Berthoud, Colorado; nine grandchildren, Sean (Lexie), Abby, Katie Glacy (Cliff), Mackenzie, Jake, Reilly, Benjamin, Harper, and Aiden; two great-grandchildren, Camden and Cooper; and three step-great-grandchildren, Raven, Autumn, and Lily. She is also survived by her beloved brother, Walter Mueller and wife Janet, along with many wonderful nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Timothy Steele II officiating. Inurnment will be on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. CST at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Dorothy's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.