Bernice Ratliff

Bernice B. Ratliff, 92, of Monroeville, Indiana passed away Monday, January 3, 2022, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She was born on July 22, 1929 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Herman Nieter and Anna (Boenker) Nieter.

Bernice was united in marriage to Herman Ratliff on November 26, 1960 at Martini Lutheran Church in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and he preceded her in death in June 1989.

She had been a member of Martini in her younger years, being confirmed with Proverbs 14:34 as her confirmation verse.

Bernice attended New Haven High School.  She was employed as a school bus and mini-bus driver for East Allen County Schools for 22 years before retiring in 1999.  As a part of her job, she would drive the band and numerous sports teams to their competitions and away games.  She especially cherished the memories made during those times with the children.  Following her retirement, she volunteered as a bus driver for Lutheran Life Villages where she drove residents to activities.  She was previously employed by Dolly Madison for six years.

She was a member of Antioch Lutheran Church in Hoagland for 52 years where she was very active in the church and held every office on the Ladies Aid. She taught Sunday school, was a bible study leader, council member, and also participated in the church choir where she shared her love of the Lord and her beautiful soprano voice. Bernice was a “competitive” Euchre player in the Hoagland / Monroeville area.

Bernice loved the Yankees baseball organization, college basketball…especially Purdue athletics, and was a fan of the Heritage High School Band Program in addition to athletics. But, above all other hobbies and joys, she was a loving grandmother and mother to her family.

Bernice is survived by son, David H. Ratliff of Frisco, Texas; son, Mark Ratliff of Warsaw, Indiana; a daughter, Dr. Sara (Kevin) Brown of Monroeville, Indiana; sister-in-law, Carolyn Nieter of Fort Wayne, Indiana; three grandchildren, Justin, Gavin and Calvin Brown; and Herman’s sister, Lucille Wilcoxson of Pamona, California.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister-in-law, Robert Nieter and Marvin (Joyce) Nieter; and step-mother, Elsie (Boenker) Nieter.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Antioch Lutheran Church, Hoagland, Indiana with Pastor David Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  The family requires that those in attendance wear masks.

Friends and family will be received from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Janaury 7, 2022, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home – Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.  The family requires that those in attendance wear masks.

Preferred memorials are to Antioch Lutheran Church or Worship Anew.

Bernice’s family would especially like to recognize and thank her many caregivers, most recently Jeanette, for the outstanding love and care that she received throughout the past several years.

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana.