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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We never met but know we loved you through our future daughter in law and your best friend Annie!! Rest well now you’ve done your part!
Nancy was such a dear friend to my mom Nancy Vieweg – they had many great stories of many years as friends- now they can be together in heaven to share these laughs. My mom always looked forward as they got older to Nancy’s visits to yearly oglebay cabins and getting to know Nancy’s nieces etc. U are all in our thoughts and prayers. She was such a wonderful friend to so many!!
Carolyn
Nancy was our neighbor on Windsor’s third floor. My most vivid memory of Nancy was the Hurricane get-together to which she invited neighbors. The Hurricane track did not damage much in our town; it left damage in places many people evacuated to!
Nancy was a bright star; Seeing her always made our days better. We will miss her.
Nancy was my counselor when I was in school and my first supervisor out of grad school. 40 years later, I can still say she was a big part of my career. We lost touch when they moved to Florida but I’ve thought of her often. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Nancy’s Family: Nancy was a great counselor and helped so many clients who had significant challenges in their lives. She was a good neighbor at Virginia Apartments and made it her mission to be sure, Bill, the maintenance man, had a supporter and friend. As faithful First Presbyterian members, she and her husband could always be counted on to support the church and its mission. We share in your loss.