Kathy Ratliff

Kathleen Ratliff, 76, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Friday, April19, 2024. She was born on June 29, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late James and Helen (Wesche) Hennessy. On June 28, 1969 she married Larry David Ratliff at St. John Vianney Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Larry preceded her in death on September 19, 2022. Kathy is survived by one daughter, Kara (Tracy) Ellis of Seneca, Illinois, one son, David Ratliff of South Bend, Indiana, three grandchildren, Keenan, Carter, and Braden Ellis and one sister, Tricia (George Crow) Hennessy of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

A 1965 graduate of Marian High School in Cincinnati, Kathy went on to graduate from Edgecliff College (now Xavier University) in 1969 before beginning her teaching career in Ohio.  After a number of moves due to Larry’s career, the family settled in South Bend, Indiana in March 1978.  Kathy enjoyed wonderful friendships through playing bridge, cooking in “Gourmet,” and being involved in the Ladies of Notre Dame.  She went on to complete her Master of Science in Administration at the University of Notre Dame in 1984. Kathy continued teaching math at St. Thomas in Elkhart before taking a position in the math department at St. Joseph High School in 1987. She was a member of the faculty at St. Joe, eventually becoming Assistant Principal and Principal, until she retired in 2004.

Kathy enjoyed watching sports and attended many Notre Dame football and basketball games. She was passionate about supporting her own children, attending as many soccer games, cross country, track, gymnastics meets, and musicals as possible. She especially cherished her time cheering for and watching her three grandsons excel in football, basketball, fall plays, and spring musicals at Seneca High School. Go Irish!

A visitation for Kathy will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill St. South Bend, IN 46617 on Friday April 26, 2024 at 10:30 with visitation for one hour prior to the mass. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph High School, 453 N. Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN 46617 in Kathy’s honor. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com.

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