Nancy Tomasek Ratcliffe, who treasured her family, friends, and faith, passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the age of 97. She will be remembered for her warm, fun-loving, and caring spirit.

Nancy Jean, born in 1924 in Uniontown, PA, was the daughter of the late Robert and Mary Fendrich Tomasek. She always forged her own path ,following her heart and independent nature. She left her beloved family farm in 1940 for Bethany College, where she graduated with a degree in biology which led to a 20 year career at Sterling Drug as a chemist. She then worked until retirement for the West Virginia State Rehabilitation Office, and was awarded outstanding counselor of the state through her work helping clients find meaningful work.

Nancy met her husband, Ivan Morris Ratcliffe, while living on Wheeling Island, and they married in 1949. Together, they embraced their life in Wheeling, attending Oglebay and Bethany events, supporting First Presbyterian Church, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. After retirement, they moved to Gulfport, FL, where Nancy became an active member of Pasadena Community Church, continued to serve Bethany College, cross stitched thoughtful gifts, communicated through handwritten letters, and delighted her family and ever expanding group of friends with her love and laughter.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Morris, her parents, and her two sisters, Lorraine Tomasek Duerr (Sam) and Dorris Tomasek Rich (Jerry). She is survived by her nieces, Karen Rich Douglas and Sidney Duerr Pinnie (Mark), her nephews, Sam Duerr (Patte) and Dave Duerr (Margie), 10 great nieces and nephews, and 7 great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her ever-thoughtful and loving Gulfport family, Lisa and Walt Stone.

Friends may call at Altmeyer Funeral, Wheeling Chapel, on Friday, March 11 between 5 and 7 PM or on Saturday, March 12 at 10 AM. Her service will follow at 11, followed by a private burial at Lafayette Memorial Cemetery, Briar Hill, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ivan and Nancy Ratcliffe scholarship fund at Bethany College, Wheeling’s Oglebay Park, or the Shriners Hospital for Children.

The family would like to express its gratitude for the support and comfort given to our Aunt

Nancy by her Gulfport friends and by the staff at BrightStar Care.

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