Martha Jane Ratliff, 64, of Franklin, WV passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021 at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV.

She was born September 14, 1956 at Washington, D.C., and was the daughter of the late Robert Currence and Rosalea Teter Currence.

She had managed a moving company and also worked for Naval Air Station Patuxent River.  She loved country music, attending concerts and the Treasure Mountain Festival.  Martha had a passion for drawing and writing poetry and had published several of her poems.

On October 27, 1977, she married Ronald E. Ratliff, who survives.

Also surviving are –

A sister –

Patricia Bailey (& Alvin) of Leonardtown, MD

A brother –

Timothy Currence of Cambridge, MD

A daughter-in-law –

Tina Ratliff and her son, Tobias Wesley Dean Winnigar, of Baltimore, MD

Preceding her in death were a son, Brian Nicholas Ratliff (1978 – 2020); a brother, Bobby Currence and a sister, Nancy Tompson.

Her body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 6, 2021 in the chapel of the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin with Rev. Michael Loudermilk officiating.  Following COVID-19 guidelines, facial coverings and social distancing will be required.

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Trail of Tears by Jane Ratliff

The rain seeps from my eyes

My heart sinks like the setting of the sun

Stripped of our pride and prosperity and degradation

To watch the starvation of my people

As though a spear has pierced my heart

We leave behind a trail of tears

We will overcome and never forget

And start a new trail of hope.