Ratliff, Arthur J.

Judge Arthur J. Ratliff, who had served as justice of the peace here 30 years and was the oldest honorary member of the Weimar Volunteer Fire Department, died early Monday morning, Feb. 19, at the age of 84.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at Hubbard Funeral Home with his pastor, the Rev. Charles Young of First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial was in the Masonic Cemetery.

The judge’s death in Holmes Memorial Hospital, Gonzales, ended an illness of several years. He had resigned as justice of the peace Jan. 1, 1959, because of his failing health.

Born Feb 7, 1878, the son of William and Susan Shiver Ratliff, at Dubina, he spent his entire life in this area. He married Miss Emma Leidolf here Nov. 14, 1900, and they settled in Weimar. During those early years here he operated a general merchandise store in partnership with Frank Anders, and later was a dealer for Overland autos. He was also in several other businesses, including the ice house that he operated for many years before the introduction of home refrigerators.

During the early part of the century he also served as county commission and as city alderman. He had been a member of the Hermann Sons lodge for 56 years.

Judge Ratliff’s wife died in 1951. His survivors are five daughters, Mrs. Margaret Smith of Weimar, Miss Dorothy Ratliff, Miss Florence Ratliff, Mrs. Chas. F. Konz Sr. and Mrs. Curtis Voelkel Sr., all of Houston, and Mrs. Marvin C. Hoffman of Victoria; two sons, Mayor William Ratliff of Weimar and Arthur F. Ratliff of Gonzales; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Mrs. Bert Gray, Mrs. J. Bienvenu and Mrs. Jessie Ratliff, all of Houston, and Mrs. Frank F Frazer of Brownsville.

Pallbearers were Edgar Beken, F. F. Brasher, Fred Vornsand, Dan Herder, Walter Scott, Charlie Allen, W. W. Williams and H. Ed. Rabel.

Weimar Mercury, February 22. 1962, page 1

Ratliff, Bessie Cornelia

Funeral services for Miss Bessie Cornelia Ratliff, 69, of Houston, former Weimar resident and sister of Justice of the Peace A. J. Ratliff of this city, were held from Settegast-Kopf Funeral Home Tuesday morning, Dec. 6, with burial in the City Cemetery here that afternoon.

Miss Ratliff, who had been ill about a month, died at 6 o'clock Sunday evening, Dec. 4, in St. Joseph's Infirmary, Houston,

A native of Dubina. where she was born Feb. 6, 1881, she was a daughter of the late William and Sue Ratliff, who later lived in Weimar. Miss Ratliff left here more than 40 years ago and at the time of her death was one of the oldest employees of the Sakowitz store in Houston, having worked there 30 years. She was a member of the Christian Church.

Surviving are four sisters, Mrs. Frank Frazer, Kingsville; Mrs. Bert Gray, Mrs. J. R. Bienvenue, Miss Jessie Ratliff, all of Houston: her brother here; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were A. J. Norwood, Curtis Voelkel, Burl Holland, John Burton, Arthur Ratliff and Wm. Ratliff.

Weimar Mercury, December 9, 1949, page 1

Ratliff, Claude H.

DEATH OF DR. C. H. RATLIFF

Died at Canton, Miss., January 8, 1914

Died, at Canton, Miss., Thursday evening, January 8, 1914, Dr. C. H. Ratliff, aged 36.

News of the death of Dr. C. H. Ratliff was received here by relatives Thursday night. For weeks previous his condition had been precarious, and although hopes were held out till the last for the recovery of this most estimable gentleman, the Creator willed it otherwise, and his spirit passed unto that other and better world above.

The remains of Dr. Ratliff were tenderly prepared for interment, services were held at Canton by a worthy minister, and escorted by a delegation of Masonic brethren and members of the Eastern Star Lodge of that city, the body was taken to the depot for transportation to Weimar, where interment was to take place, a member of the Masonic Lodge of Canton accompanying the remains as far as New Orleans, and both orders sending along with the remains some of the most beautiful floral emblems ever seen in this section.

The body reached here Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock, was met by the local Masonic Lodge, of which Dr. Ratliff had for years been a consistent, faithful member, and escorted by this lodge was carried to the Masonic Cemetery for interment. The active pallbearers were F. VanWagner of Oakland, R. L. Williams, M. R. Allen, R. H. Yoder, R. H. McCormick and H. Brasher F. Miller and George Herder, Jr. Upon arrival at the grave, Rev. G. T. Gibbons, assisted by a number of the ladies and gentlemen of the community, in songs, held brief religious services, after which the Masons took charge and held their beautiful burial service. At the conclusion of the burial service, lady friends took charge of the floral emblems and the grave was soon completely hidden from view by these lovely creations of the floral kingdom, some of the most beautiful ever seen.

Dr. Ratliff's death, while not entirely unexpected, caused a wave of sorrow to pervade the hearts of all our people, among whom he had lived for a number of years, and who by his gentlemanly deportment, excellent character, kindliness of heart, and cheery, good feeling toward all those with whom he came in contact, had won the hears and friendship of all. The writer has known Dr. Ratliff since he first arrived in Weimar years ago, and in all that time has never herd anyone speak of him except in terms of praise and admiration. Quiet in manner, of the highest moral character, strictly attentive to his own business affairs, never known to meddle in the affairs of others, the soul of honor; he was regarded by all as a typical southern gentleman, one whose friendship and esteem was indeed to be prized. If he had an enemy in the world, it was not known to his many friends throughout this section. Few men of the character of Dr. Ratliff are to be found in this day and age, and his death is indeed a severe blow to our community. In life, we loved him as a true friend and brother, in death we mourn with these sorrowing ones left behind. God be with them and comfort them as He alone can, is our sincere and heartfelt prayer.

The cause of Dr. Ratliff's death was fibroid induration of the lungs. While doing some work in the dental line some months ago, his lungs became infected from poisonous gases which he was forced to inhale, causing a fibrous growth, which quickly caused his death.

Dr. Ratliff was born in Mississippi. On the 27th of November 1911, he was married to Miss Eddie Hill of the city, and she, together with the aged mother, seven sisters and two brothers, survive. One brother, Dr. R R. Ratliff, and one sister, Mrs. C. A. Lee, live in Texas residing in Houston. He was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, also the Eastern Star.

Weimar Mercury, January 16, 1914
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Ratliff, Dorothy A.

Graveside services for Miss Dorothy A. Ratliff, 74. of Houston were held at Masonic [Odd Fellows] Cemetery here Saturday after earlier services at Houston.

Services at the George H. Lewis & Sons Sage Road Chapel were conducted by Rev. Ernest C. Phifer. Rev. David Miller officiated in the service here.

Miss Ratliff died at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 26, in St. Luke's Hospital, Houston, after nine days' illness and a week in the hospital.

A Weimar native, she had been a Houston resident since 1919. She was born here April 17, 1903. the daughter of Arthur and Emelia (Leidolf) Ratliff, and at the age of 16 moved to Houston, where she was employed by Humble Oil & Refining Co. for 28 years. She was secretary to the president. Harry C. Wiess, until his death in 1948 and afterward was secretary to his widow.

Miss Ratliff is survived by one brother, Arthur Ratliff of Gonzales five sisters, Miss Florence Ratliff, Mrs. Charles (Annie) Konz. Mrs. Curtis (Jessie) Voelkel, all of Houston, Mrs. Margaret Smith of Weimar and Mrs. Marvin (Miriam) Hoffman of Gonzales; nieces and nephews, Charles F. Konz Jr., Jean Smith Halt, Jay Smith, Nancy Voelkel, Curtis Voelkel Jr., Billye Lynn Ratliff and Robert Arthur Ratliff; and one aunt, Mrs. Annie L. Bienvenue. A brother, William Ratliff, preceded her in death.

Pallbearers were Charles Konz Jr., John Hall, Jay Smith, Curtis Voelkel J r., Robert Fortson, and Charles Konz Ill.

Weimar Mercury, June 2, 1977

Ratliff, Emilie Victoria (Leidolf)

Funeral services for Mrs. Arthur J. Ratliff, 72, native of the Osage community and 50-year resident of Weimar, were held Sunday afternoon from Hubbard Funeral Home, with burial in City Cemetery. Rev. W. E. Brown officiated.

Mrs. Ratliff expired Friday evening at Youens Hospital after a long illness.

Born Emilie Victoria Leidolf December 16, 1878, at Osage, she was the daughter of Mathews and Rosina Friederich Leidolf, who had come to Texas from Germany in 1872. The family later moved to Lavaca County, near Flatonia, where Mrs. Ratliff attended school. Part of her schooling was received at Sacred Heart Convent in Hallettsville, also. She was married to Mr. Ratliff November 14, 1900. Mrs. Ratliff was a member of the First Baptist Church here.

Surviving her in addition to her husband, justice of the peace at Weimar, are two sons, Arthur F. of Gonzales and William M. of Weimar; six daughters, Mrs. Chas. F. Konz, Mrs. Curtis R. Voelkel, Misses Dorothy and Florence Ratliff, all of Houston, Mrs. Margaret Smith and Miss Miriam Ratliff of Weimar; and six grandchildren. An infant son, a brother, Frank E. Leidolf, and a sister, Mrs. Anna Leidolf Michalke, preceded her in death.

Pallbearers at the funeral were E. J. Leidolf, Hubert Eck, J. R. Bienvenn, Jr., Joe Kasper, W. W. Williams, Jr., Charlie Allen, Edgar Beken and Dan Herder.

Weimar Mercury, January 19, 1951, page 1

Ratliff, Florence Elizabeth

Florence Elizabeth Ratliff, age 87, longtime Houston resident, born in Weimar on December 4, 1908, died Friday, December 22 in Houston.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 26, in Houston with Rev. Rick Smith from the First United Methodist Church of Houston officiating. Graveside services and interment was held at the Masonic Cemetery in Weimar with Rev. Jerry Adkins officiating.

She was retired from Exxon Company after 43 years.

Ms. Ratliff was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur J. and Emelia L. Ratliff, sisters, Annie Konz, Dorothy, Jessie Louise Voelkel and brothers, Arthur and William.

Survivors include her sisters, Margaret Smith of Weimar, and Miriam Hoffman of Gonzales; nieces, Jean Hall of Weimar, Nancy L. Voelkel and Billye Lynn Ratliff, both of Houston; nephews, Chas. F. Konz of Houston, Jay T. Smith of Orlando, Florida, Curtis R. Voelkel, Jr. of Austin and Robert A. Ratliff of Gonzales; sister-in-law, Florine Ratliff of Weimar; brother-in-law, Curtis R. Voelkel of Houston; four great-nieces and three great-nephews; three great-great-nieces and five great-great-nephews.

Pallbearers were Chas. F. Konz, Curtis R. Voelkel, Jr., Chas F. Konz III, Steve Plaisance and Stewart Konz.

The Weimar Mercury December 28, 1995
Transcribed by Jennie Muggli

Ratliff, Florine (Beken)

Florine Ratliff Funeral Services Held July 28

Florine Ratliff, 86, of New Bielau Community, died July 26 at Colorado-Fayette Medical Center. Funeral services were held Monday, July 28, at Weimar United Church of Christ, with Rev. Karen Buck Nelson and Rev. Glen Schoeneberg conducting the services.

Special music was performed by Dottie Schoeneberg and Kirsten Gee, her niece and great-niece. Interment was in Weimar Masonic Cemetery.

Florine was born Nov. 11, 1916, the oldest child of Emil and Emma Rahlwes Beken. She was raised in the New Bielau community and attended school there.

She married Bill Ratliff on June 1, 1944, and lived in the Weimar area for the rest of her life. Florine and Bill, who preceded her in death, had one daughter, Billye Lynn.

Florine was a dedicated member of the Weimar United Church of Christ and served as the church secretary for almost 30 years until her retirement in 1993.

She also was a member of the Naomi Ruth Circle and former Sunday School teacher.

Florine is survived by Billye Lynn as well as three sisters-in-law, Lornette Schoeneberg, Margaret Smith, and Miriam Hoffman; one brother-in-law Curtis Voelkel Sr., and numerous nephews and nieces who were a special part of her life.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Clarence and Wilfred (Buddy) Beken, and one sister, Elma Pogue.

Pallbearers were Milton Beken, Arthur Ray Beken, Jim Hilscher, Milton Marburger, Ryan Schoeneberg, and Joey Gee. Honorary pallbearers were Heine Beken and Curtis Voelkel Jr.

The Weimar Mercury, August 7, 2003
Transcribed by John Konesheck

Ratliff, Jimmie Charlie

Our sincere sympathy is extended Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Ratliff in the death of their beloved six-month-old baby boy, little Jimme Charlie, which occurred at the family home last Friday night. The little body was tenderly prepared for burial and Saturday afternoon at 4:30 was committed to mother earth in St. Michael’s cemetery. Although but a short time a resident of this earth, the little babe had wound its heart strings around those of the entire family,and it was hard indeed to give him up. The family has the sympathy of all our people in their bereavement.

Weimar Mercury, February 23, 1917, page 1

Ratliff, Mary Elizabeth

News was received here last Thursday morning of the death of Miss Mary Elizabeth Ratliff of Houston, at her home there, after a brief illness of only a few days. She had suffered a heart attack a few days before.

Funeral services were held Friday morning at 11:00 o'clock at the Settegast-Hopf Funeral Home, with the Rev. E. R. McWilliams of Houston, officiating. Burial service was held at Weimar in the afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with the Rev. H. R. Yount, local Baptist minister officiating. Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery here.

Pallbearers appointed by the family included John L. Burton, A. J. Norwood, Bert Bienvenu, Charley F. Konz, J. T. Smith. R. H. Yoder.

A daughter of the late Wm. and Susan Ratliff, Miss Ratliff was born in Weimar and lived here with her family until 1911 when she moved to Houston. While living here she followed the vocation of dressmaker and seamstress and after moving to Houston continued her profession, of late years being an employe at the Battlestein store In the capacity of fitter In the ladies' ready-to-wear department.

Survivors include five sisters, Mrs. Frank Frazer of Kingsville, Miss Bessie Ratliff, Mrs. Bert Gray, Mrs. J. R. Bienvenu and Mrs. Maurice McFadden, all of Houston; one brother, A. J. Ratliff of Weimar; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Attending the funeral here from out of town included Mrs. Nora Norwood, Mr. and Mrs. John L. Burton, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Norwood, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Bienvenu, Mrs. J. R. Bienvenu, Jr., Miss Dorothy Ratliff, Miss Florence Ratliff, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Konz and son, Mr. and Mrs. J. Terrell Smith and family, Miss Bessie Ratliff, Mrs. Bert Gray. Mrs. J. R. Bienvenu, Mrs. Maurice McFadden, all of Houston; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Fraser of Kingsville, Lt. Maurice McFadden of Tucson, Ariz.

The Mercury extends sincere condolence to the bereaved family.

Weimar Mercury, January 26, 1945, page 1

Ratliff, Sue Winifred (Shiver)

Former Weimar Lady Claimed by Death

Unknown to many Weimar friends, Mrs. Sue W. Ratliff, former greatly beloved lady of this city, went on the operating table in a Houston hospital several weeks ago, following an attack of illness, and underwent a severe and dangerous operation. Enfeebled by illness and her age being against her, the battle was a long and hard one, but on Friday last Death finally claimed the victory, and the spirit of this sweet, good woman was reunited with her beloved life companion claimed by Death many years previous.

The remains were prepared and brought here for interment, same taking place Saturday afternoon at the Masonic Cemetery, Rev. J. H. Hall, local Baptist pastor officiating in a touching service, in the presence of a large assemblage of mourning relatives and friends.

Mrs. Sue Winifred Ratliff was born May 9, 1858, in Atlanta, Ga. She died Oct 10, 1930 in Houston, aged 72 years, 5 months and 1 day. The greater part of her life was spent in and near Weimar, where the family lived for many years. quite a number of her children living in Houston, she some years ago decided to move there and make her home. Her heart still was in the old home town however, and she paid frequent visits here, delighted to again be with old time friends. She united with the church at an early age, and ever afterward lived a consistent, consecrated christian life. Her kindness of heart, her natural goodness, her visits to the sick room, were like a ray of sunshine. In every circle in which this good woman moved she was always a welcome visitor.

She is survived by seven children, as follows: Miss Mary Ratliff, Miss Bessie Ratliff, Houston; Mrs. Frank Frazer, Kingsville; Mrs. Bert Gray, Mrs. J. R. Bienvenu, Houston; Mrs. L. L. Schuchert, Victoria; Mr. A. J. Ratliff, Weimar. Also two sisters, Mrs. M. A. Burton and Mrs. Nora Norwood, and one brother, Mr. Joe J. Shiver, all of Houston; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Weimar Mercury, October 17, 1930. page 1

Ratliff, William

In the death of Mr. William Ratiff, which occured last Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock, our city lost a good citizen and neighbor. Quiet in dispositon, upright in deportment, he won friends wherever known, and his death has caused geuine sorrow to fill the hearts of many of our people. He was a member of the Knights of Honor lodge, and was buried under the auspices of that order. He leaves a grief-stricken wife and several children to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and father. His remains were laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery Tuesday aftenoon. Our sincere sympathy goes to the bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, July 9, 1898

Ratliff, William Matthew

Death came at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, to 51 year-old-Bill Ratliff, a former Weimar mayor and prominent in local church and civic activities.

He died at Methodist Hospital in Houston, where he had been under treatment for cancer since February 1.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Weimar United Church of Christ, led by Rev. Frank Horak of Houston. Members of the Fire Department, the American Legion and VFW, and the Masonic Lodge participated in graveside rites in Masonic Cemetery.

William Matthew Ratliff was born in Weimar October 19, 1911, a son of Arthur and Emelia Leidolf Ratliff. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II and was a sergeant at Sheppard Field when he married Miss Florine Beken here June 1, 1944.

He served two terms as mayor of Weimar, 1958 to 1962, At the time of his death he was president of the official board of Weimar United Church of Christ and superintendent of the church school. He was an active member of the Weimar Volunteer Fire Department more than 20 years before going on the honorary list. A 32nd Degree Mason, he was secretary of the local lodge and last year had been Worshipful Master. He was also a charter member and past president of the Lions Club. He was employed as bookkeeper for livestock auction companies at Columbus, Hallettsville and Austin.

Surviving him are his widow, Mrs. Florine Ratliff, and daughter, Billy Lynn; one brother, Arthur Beken[sic] of Gonzales; and six sisters, Misses Dorothy and Florence Ratliff, Mrs. Charles (Annie) Konz and Mrs. Curtis (Jessie) Voelkel, all of Houston, Mrs. Margaret Smith of Weimar and Mrs. Marvin ((Miriam) Hoffmann of Victoria.

Pallbearers were Arthur Beken, E. A Cordes, Milton Beken. H. Ed Rabel, Ewald Freidrich[sic], F. F. Brasher, Norbert Stech and J. R. Yoder.

Weimar Mercury, May 2, 1963, page 1