Leta Helm Ratcliff

Leta Helm Ratcliff, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2011 following a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyle H. Ratcliff; parents, Bruce and Leota Helm, and brother Charles Miller Helm. She is survived by her son, Lowry Bruce Ratcliff of Newport; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Tommy Smith of Newport; granddaughter, Melina Smith of Brentwood; granddaughter and her husband, Leta and Jason Watson; great-grandchildren, Karlin, Kelsey and Kason Watson of Cookeville. Other survivors include, her cousins Fred and Frances Miller of Parrottsville, Charlene Cureton of Parrottsville, Barbara Cureton of Asheville; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Agnes and Bill Lowe of Telford. She is also survived by her wonderful nieces and nephews and cousins of the Ponder, Ratcliff and Miller clans! Mrs. Ratcliff graduated from Central High, Class of 1937 and Virginia Intermont College. She married Hoyle Ratcliff in March of 1943. After their marriage, they lived in Parrottsville where Hoyle ran Parrottsville Milling Company and Leta taught music. In 1951, they moved to their home in Newport and Hoyle managed Helm Lumber Company while Leta became a stay-at-home mom and church and community worker. She was past-president of both the 20th Century Club and the Newport Music Club. She was a faithful member if First Baptist Church serving as Girl's Auxiliary Director, WMU leader, choir member, hand bell choir member, Sunday School teacher, and , until recently, church trustee. In addition to her church and community activities, Leta loved to bowl, play canasta, and travel with her family. A loving, caring, and fun, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and cousin, Leta will be missed by her family and friends. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm followed by the funeral services at 3:00 pm, with Dr. Rich Lloyd, Dr. Charlie Boggan and Dr. Stan Rushing officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 261 E. Broadway, Newport, TN 37821, or to your favorite charity. Family and friends may sign the guest register on line at: www.manesfuneralhome.com. Manes Funeral Home in charge.

Leta Helm Ratcliff

April 28, 1920 - April 26, 2011