Michael Jay "Mickey" Ratliff

Mickey Ratliff gained his well-deserved wings on October 4, 2025. He was born on April 6, 1940, in Stillwater, OK to J.C. and Jessie Lee “Worley” Ratliff. Mickey was raised in Red Rock and graduated from Red Rock High School in 1958 where he was active in athletics and FFA. After graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1962 with a degree in Agricultural Economics he went back to Noble County to farm and ranch with his parents. On June 2, 1962, he married Linda Love, his girlfriend since the 7th grade! They were married in Ponca City, OK and have been happily married for 63 years. They lived in Red Rock most of their married lives where they farmed and ranched and in 2007, they moved to Sulphur, Oklahoma. Mickey was involved in several organizations with the church, rural fire department and youth being his priorities. He served as a Deacon and was a member of First Baptist Church, Red Rock and currently at Crossway Church in Sulphur. Some of the organizations that he dedicated his time to included: Member of the Noble County Fair Board, Red Rock Volunteer Fire Department as Fire Chief, Chairman of the Noble County OSU Alumni Association as well as being active in the Lion’s Club and with the 4-H/FFA Booster Club. As a Hereford Breeder he was an active member of the American Hereford Association, Oklahoma Hereford Association and Northern Oklahoma Hereford Breeder’s Association. During his years of volunteering, he was awarded the 1988 Degree of Honorary State Farmer, 1999 Honorary Chapter Farmer by the Red Rock FFA, 2003 Noble County Livestock Show Honoree, and 2009 Honorary Member of the Perry Livestock Booster Club. Mickey is survived by his wife Linda of the home, Daughter Kim Little, Coleman, TX and Son Michael Jay “Mike” Ratliff, Red Rock, OK. Grandchildren Braden (Mariana) Little, Waco, TX Bali Little, Sulphur, OK, Jayke (Kaitlyn) Ratliff, Stillwater, OK and Jaysen Ratliff, Hinton, OK. Great- Grandchildren Olivia and Jackson Ratliff, Stillwater, OK. Also surviving are his sister, Nancy (Edward) Roberson, Red Rock, OK and Ann (Jim) Buntt, Marland, OK as well as his Sister-in- law Nona (Bill) Shahan, and brothers-in-law Billy Joe Love, Knoxville, TN and Carl (Becky) Love, Spring Hill, TN. Mickey is joined in heaven by his parents J.C. and Jessie Lee Ratliff. As a liver transplant recipient on May 5, 2009, he was given a 2nd chance at life. The family encourages everyone to become organ donors. Thanks to all the Doctors, Specialist and medical teams that have given compassionate care through the years as well as the staff of the Artesian Home where he spent his final days. Please consider donating in Mickey’s memory to BULLET’s Fund (to provide support for operating expenses for Bullet) c/o Oklahoma State University Foundation, 400 S. Monroe, Stillwater, OK 74074 Fund #23-84610. Or consider giving to the charity of your choice. A public visitation will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 10am-3pm in the Crossway Church Chapel. A graveside service will be held on October 11, 2025, at 2pm at the cemetery in Red Rock, OK. Attending guests and friends are encouraged to wear Orange or OSU attire if you love the Cowboys as much as Mickey did. Bill Leveridge, Lead Pastor, Crossway Church, Sulphur will be conducting the graveside service. Music by Melanie Williams and Martin Williams. Services are entrusted to DeArman Funeral Home, Sulphur. Honorary Pall Bearers are James Flasch, Larry Garvie, John Hayes, Butch Hill, Larry Hobbs and Coach Bill Shahan. God welcomed a Cowboy, and a Cowboy gained his wings.

Tributes

Michael Jay "Mickey" Ratliff

April 6, 1940 - October 4, 2025