Obituary - Shirley Ann Ratchford

Shirley Ann Ratchford, 89, of Glen Allen, Va passed peacefully on October 8, 2023. She was preceded in death by her spouse, James Joseph Ratchford; infant sons, James and David; parents, Raymond and Rose Stevens; sister, Rosemary Hoover. She is survived by her children, Diane Murray (Bob), Annette Shaffer (Mike), Steven Ratchford (Jill), Alan Ratchford (Kyle Baxter), Edward Ratchford; grandchildren, Katie Cassidy (Shawn), Natalie Murray, Matthew Murray, Samantha Dowell (Taylor), Tommy Shaffer, Michael Shaffer, David Ratchford, Brian Ratchford, Sarah Ratchford, Mary Beth Ratchford, Amanda Ratchford, Joshua Ratchford; great grandchildren, Nathan Futrell, Julia Cassidy, Sophie Dowell, Russell Dowell; and siblings, Jean Dumm, Kay Bambocci, Patricia Ashdown, Constance Ricciardella, and Raymond Stevens.

Shirley was born in Loretto, Pennsylvania and enjoyed a happy childhood with her large, loving family. After graduating from high school, she worked as a switchboard operator for the phone company. She met the love of her life, Jim, at the Oriental Ballroom in Gallitzin and they married in 1958. Jim’s job took the family all over the country - Ohio, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana, and Maryland - and Shirley made a loving and lovely home wherever they went. After Jim died in 2002, Shirley settled in Glen Allen, Virginia to be close to her children. She was a long-time member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Henrico.

Shirley loved her Catholic faith, her family, and food. She had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and hardly a day went by that she did not say a rosary. Shirley loved family gatherings, especially spirited games of pinochle around the kitchen table. Nothing made her happier than to be surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. An excellent cook, Shirley was known for her spaghetti and meatballs, cinnamon rolls, and homemade soups. Shirley also cared deeply for those in need, and never passed up an opportunity to contribute to a food or clothing drive or donate to a charity.

A Memorial Mass will be held on October 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 8200 Woodman Road, Henrico, VA. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Resurrection Mausoleum in Gallitzin, PA on November 9. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School.