KESTER SHORTRIDGE RATLIFF, 75 years of age of Vansant, VA, passed away Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the Clinch Valley Hospital in Richlands, VA following a brief illness.  Born in Buchanan County, she was the daughter of the late Cora and Willie Shortridge of Rowe, VA.  She was preceded in death by her stepmother Bertha Shortridge of Rowe, VA.  She was a member of the Rowe Pentecostal Church, a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and a longtime employee of the Rainbow Restaurant. 

Mrs. Ratliff is survived by her husband, Charles Richardson Ratliff, Vansant, VA, Two daughters – Caroline Wampler, Vansant, VA, Patricia Shortt, Vansant, VA, One Son - Ricky Ratliff, Vansant, VA, Five Sisters - Wanda and her husband Tommy Deel, Oakwood, VA, Pauline Wilson, Vansant, VA, Lillian Cantrell, Grundy, VA, Vivian and her husband Allen Gross, Roanoke, VA, Wilma and her husband James Vandyke, Blue Ridge, VA, Three brothers - Guy Shortridge, Richlands, VA, Billie and his wife Connie Shortridge, Grundy, VA, Ferrell and his wife Sandra Shortridge, Rowe, VA

Also, survived by Six Grandchildren - Amber Rowe, Tosha Wampler and Joshua Marshall of Vansant, VA, Benjamin Goff, Richlands, VA, Joe Shortt and Keisha Shortt, Richmond, VA; Two Great-Grandchildren and many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends; One Aunt – Oakley Slone, Vansant, VA

She was preceded in death by two sisters – Gladys Street and Hassie Street; and four brothers Clarence, C. W., Verlin and Clyde Shortridge.

Funeral services for KESTER SHORTRIDGE RATLIFF will be conducted Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at the Grundy Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Ancil Childress and Rev. Eddie Wilson officiating with burial to follow in the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, VA

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Monday evening at 6:00 P.M. with services at 7:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be Jason Keene, Steve Shortridge, Eddie Wilson, Gary Street, Randall Helton and Larry Shortridge.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmy Vandyke, Alan Gross, Tommy Deel, Mark Ratliff, Joe Stiltner, Steve Stiltner, Jessee Anderson, Mike Anderson and Tim Anderson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.