Louise Ratliff

Ratliff, Louise, 100, passed away on July 21, 2026. She was born Victoria Louise Vierthaler on November 28, 1925, in Wichita, Kansas to her parents, Frank and Helen Vierthaler.

Louise brought a lot of comfort to those in need through her cooking, and she loved to cook for the community. She was well known for her collection of salt and pepper shakers, collecting over 600 pairs!

She married James B. Ratliff on September 12, 1946, until his passing in 1985. In 1988, she married Owen W. Smith on August 1, until his passing in 2006.

She was preceded in death by her son, Gary Ratliff; daughter, Mary Corbin; parents; brothers, Leland Vierthaler, and Eugene Vierthaler

Louise is survived by son, Jim (Lynn) Ratliff; daughter, Pat Newlin; grandchildren, Patrick (Terri) Shepperd, David (Carly) Ratliff, Jeff (Ashley) Ratliff, Daniel (Bridget) Ratliff, John Sellers, Ian (Amy) Newlin, Mike (Angela) Newlin, Chris Ratliff, Valerie Mitchell, Amanda (Jesus) Lucero, Erin Ratliff, Scott Ratliff, Austin (Ada) Ratliff, Joseph Ratliff, Nathan Ratliff, Conner Ratliff, and Josh (Jennifer) Corbin; 30 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Nonie Vierthaler; and many nieces and nephews.

Private burial will take place in Douglass Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Douglass Senior Center, 124 W. 4th St., Douglass, Kansas 67039.