ELLEN FAYE RATLIFF HILL

Ellen Faye Ratliff Hill was born in Dickenson County, Virginia, November 16, 1932 and departed this life on January 4, 2023 at NHC Health Care in Bristol, making her stay on this earth 90 years, one month and 18 days. Ellen was the daughter of Willie and Sindusta Ball Ratilff. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ray Hill; two sons, Jeffery Reed and Randle Steve; four sisters, Polly Blevins, Callie Rose, Ruth Mullins and Goldie Hamilton; four brothers, Hibbert Lee, Troy Junior, Stewart Reed and Earnest Carl. In the early part of her life, Ellen worked for W. M. Ritter Lumber Company in Georgia wood camps helping cook and serve around two hundred men who worked every day. After the job worked out, Ellen came home and decided to teach school. She taught many years in one, two, three and four room schools in Dickenson County. She liked the one room schools the best.

Ellen met her love Ray Hill and they were married in 1954. To this union was born three sons, Jeffrey Reed, Randle Steve and Lance Craig (L.C.). Ellen was converted and baptized on August 6, 1967. She was a member at Sweet Home Church for 13 years then moved her membership to Caney Fork Church which organized with the Indian Bottom Association of the Old Regular Baptist. Ellen and her family moved to the Old Home Place in 1971. With the help of her husband, son and family she took care of her parents until their passing. Ellen was a second mom to Jimmie, Dennis, Judy, Linda, Steve, Anthony, Monica, Earika, Doug, Thurman, Josh and many more. When her husband passed away, she moved in with her sister and helped the family take care of her. Ellen had helped with other family members and in-laws, also Margie Carty. In December of 2001 and all of 2002 she lost her husband, two sisters, one sister-in-law, one brother-in-law, one aunt and one nephew. Ellen went home sad and lonely, but with the Lord’s help she kept going to church. Brother Benny Stanley, Brother Kyle and Sister Phyllis Carty and Sister Shelby Willis took her to church. By the life Ellen lived, we feel our loss is Heaven’s gain. If she could speak to you, she would say, “Don’t mourn for me, I’ve just gone home with a friend. Listen for the voice of Jesus and prepare to meet me in Heaven.”

Ellen will be greatly missed by her family she loved dearly, extended family, friends, and her church family. She leaves to mourn her loss, one son Lance and wife Debbie; one granddaughter, Sara and Joe; one grandson, Trey; one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth; three great-step children; one brother, Avery Ratliff; two brothers-in-law, Darrell and Carrol Hill; three sisters-in-law, Patsy, Betty and Anna Jean, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Thanks to Dickenson Home Health, Dr. Ibraham and staff and Homemakers. Special friends Phyllis Carty, Debbie and Herman Carty and Gracie Lane. Thanks to Clintwood Funeral Home and staff.

Family and friends were requested to meet at Ratliff Family Cemetery, Caney Ridge for a graveside service on Friday, January 6 at 1 p.m. Elders Jerry Newsome and Stephen Lyall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Ellen requested donations be made to Caney Fork Church, Danny Stanley, Clerk, P. O. Box 5, Clintwood, Va., 24228. Online condolences nay be made at www.clintwoodfuneralhome.com.

Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.