Ervin Ronald Ratliff

Ervin Ronald Ratliff passed away on May 17, 2022 at the age of 73 in Great Falls, Montana. His courageous battle with cancer in recent years showed his determination to defy expectations. Despite the pain, Ron retained his characteristic sense of humor and fought hard until the end. Born in Middletown, Ohio on January 18, 1949, Ron spent his early childhood years in Farmersville, Ohio. Eventually, his family moved to Conrad, Montana where he became quite the athlete participating in football, legion baseball, basketball, and swimming. As a young man, Ron worked as a derrickhand in the oil fields of Montana and Wyoming. He met his wife, June, a telephone operator, while trying to locate the number for an ex-girlfriend. Turns out that call to the operator connected him with the love of his life. He joined the US Navy in 1976 and spent four years traveling the world. Following his time as a sailor, he and June settled in Gig Harbor, Washington to raise their family. Through the years, Ron worked as an auto mechanic and truck driver. However, his favorite job was caring for his two children. He was Mr. Mom long before it was cool. He was a pro at packing school lunches with extra Oreos and shuttling kids around sometimes to the ski slopes instead of school. He was the perfect combination of disciplinarian and instigator of fun. Ron loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending his time fishing, hunting and skiing. He often took his family camping where his best stories were told by the light of a campfire. Ron also enjoyed traveling, playing poker, riding his motorcycle, scuba diving, and crime documentaries. Ron was a fun loving guy who was up for anything. He was the life of every party. He drew people in with his twinkling eyes and infectious laughter. He and June were known for their warm hospitality welcoming everyone to their home from giggling teenage girls to young Army recruits. Overnight guests were treated to Ron's hearty biscuits and gravy and a charming conversation. He loved his family dearly and was known to surprise his children with the occasional toy or puppy dog. In his later years, Ron was blessed with seven grandchildren who referred to him as Papa Ron and to whom he loved to bestow fishing secrets, poker tactics and whisker rubs. Ron is survived by his wife of 49 years, June, son Brandon Ratliff (Heather) of Belt, Montana, daughter Ronda Jensen (Mark) of Shelton, Washington, brothers Dean Ratliff (Linda) of Casper, Wyoming, David Ratliff (Sheila) of Bozeman, Montana, sister-in-law Shelly Hauge of Odessa, Washington and grandchildren Rylan, Lillie, Gunnar, Bo, Elsa, Gus and Eva. He was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Joanne Hauge, brother Tim Hauge, and his beloved four-legged companions, Crystal and Holly. Ron's family will hold a private celebration of his life this summer. For those willing to do so, donations of blood to your local blood bank would be appreciated. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at the Benefits Sletten Cancer Institute for their care and compassion.