Rovetta Ratliff, known to many as “Sister,” 77, of Rockingham, North Carolina, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.
Rovetta was born in Richmond County March 16, 1946. Rovetta was the eldest of seven and is predeceased by her siblings, Holly Cameron and Cynthia Denise Wright.
Rovetta was a pioneer in her community for disabled persons. Having acquired her disability from a young age, she endured many hardships and adversity from her peers growing up. She persevered despite this. She refused to let the opinions of others hold her back from enjoying her life to the absolute fullest.
She was a graduate of Rohanen High School, class of ’65. After completing high school, Rovetta would go on to attend Worth Business School in Fayetteville and earn her degree. She worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield for over 20 years when she resided in Florence, South Carolina with her family.
Outside of work, Rovetta loved going to Myrtle Beach where her favorite pastime was to people watch. She loved going to the mall with her daughter every Saturday. She was a loving mother with a disciplinarian side that could rival no other. She had an unconditional love for all her babies and had a smile that could light up the world. Mama Ratliff loved watching any local sports team, especially if she knew the kids that were playing. Rovetta was a uniquely kind woman who was an inspiration to her community. She is a woman that will be missed by all those who had the privilege of meeting her.
Rovetta is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Kenneth Ratliff, of the home; daughter, Kenna Rovetta Tarkenton; grandchildren, William Payne, Hannah Ashton and Tracy Denise; a great-granddaughter, Piper Lairyn Paulhus; siblings, Alton Thomas Wright Jr. (Darlene), David Randolf (Beth), Donna Yvonne Franklin (Odell) and Barbara Annette Chavis (Jerry); and her mother, Julia Raymelle Dick .
The family will receive friends for visitation Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, from noon to 1 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham. Funeral services will immediately follow with Pastor Wayne Greene officiating. Burial will be held at Richmond Co. Memorial Park Cemetery.
In addition to flowers, memorial donations can be made to Easterseals Camp at Attn: Online Giving Coordinator, 141 W Jackson Blvd., Suite 1400A Chicago, IL 60604.
Online memorials can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is assisting the Ratliff family.
