Chet Ratliff

(From Brown-Winters Funeral Home)

Chester Lee Ratliff, 87, a longtime Ford Dealership Mechanic, passed away at his home in Miami, Oklahoma, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. 

Chet was born on December 18, 2025, in Stark City, Missouri, to John Earl and Lola Bernice (Priest) Ratliff. He graduated from Miami High School with the Class of 1955. The next year, he married the love of his life, Shirley Ash, in Grove, Oklahoma, on December 21, 1956. 

Chester was a proud Veteran of the United States Army Reserve. He began his work as a mechanic, training and working with his dad. He had a successful career with many certifications through Ford. After sixty-five years, he retired from Vance Auto Group from their Ford Store in 2020. He and Shirley would follow Chester’s love for cars by being an integral part of the Rebels Car Club for many years. Their weekends were often spent at car shows around the area. He and Shirley were members at Northwest Baptist Church, and Chet was a Past Noble Grand of the I.O.O.F. 

He was preceded in passing by his parents, John and Lola Ratliff, and two brothers, Richard Ratliff and Johnny Ratliff.

Those who will carry on Chester’s Legacy are his wife Shirley Ratliff, his daughter Kimberly Elaine Hutson and her husband Lloyd of Joplin, his son Martin Luke Ratliff of Buffalo, Missouri, two sisters Sally Dold and her husband Jim and Sheila Witte and her husband Paul, nieces and nephews Mike and Shannon Gunner of Miami, Abe and Sandy Clark of Tulsa, Matt and Misty Ratliff, Gregg and Anessa Ash, Johnny and Tonya Ratliff, Justin Dold, and Jessica Dold, special children Courtney, Julie, Marissa and Clarissa along with his many other nieces, nephews, other relative and friends.







Visitation for Chet will be 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Miami on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Mr. Ratliff's Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM, Saturday, April 5, 2025, immediately after the Visitation with Reverend Michael Knight officiating. Interment will be private at the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery.