Shirley Ratcliff

Though she once dreamed of becoming an opera singer, Shirley Elaine Ratcliff instead devoted her life to her true calling—caring for others. She died suddenly and peacefully on August 7, 2025, at the age of 86, set free from her earthly life to rejoice in the presence of her Lord.

Born on January 27, 1939, in Hardin, Montana, to Alex and Emily Besel, she was their beloved only child. At age 12, her family moved to Sidney, Montana, where she graduated from high school.

Sensing a deep need to serve, she pursued nursing at Montana State College, graduating in 1961. This launched a public health nursing career that spanned Florida, Arizona, and Montana, retiring in her most meaningful hospice care. Her work was a reflection of her compassion, offering comfort and dignity to many.

Before completing her degree, she met Herman C. Ratcliff, who became her husband, mentor and soulmate. Married in 1961, they shared nearly 40 years of adventure through his career as an Air Force officer and history scholar. Together they traveled, explored and learned side by side until his passing in 2001.

Their greatest legacy is their family – 2 children, 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren. Survivors include: daughter Genna Carlisle and her children and grandchildren—Chandler (Ciel) Eaton with son Onyx Eaton; Madison (Hector) Eaton- Moreno; Gillian Eaton; and Jacob (Emily) Eaton with daughters Blaire, Ruby, and Faith—and son Randall (Rana) Ratcliff and his children: Reece (Megan) Ratcliff; Remingten Ratcliff; Ryland (Madelyne) Ratcliff; and Reagan Ratcliff. She is also survived by her loyal four-legged companion, Marley.

She will be remembered as a strong, elegant and classy woman with a spirited sense of adventure that made life fun for those around her. A gifted hostess and social soul, she loved gathering friends, playing cards or Mexican Train and sharing food and laughter. Winters were spent at her Arizona home, where she delighted in the warm sunshine and the friendships of her close-knit community. She also treasured traveling to Wisconsin to visit Genna and her children, enjoying the many varieties of cheese, exploring new places and joining in her grandchildren’s school projects and activities.

She found joy in shopping, traveling and especially spending time at the family’s Red Lodge retreat, where annual reunions and every season brought treasured memories with family and friends. She delighted in supporting her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and She gave generously of her time as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, camp nurse, and always ‘enthusiastically’ chased her children with every single activity they were involved in, cheering them on and lending a helping hand wherever needed.

She had a tender heart for dogs, especially rescues, and cared for each one with great love.

She also supported many philanthropic endeavors; two especially close to her heart were the Big Horn County Historical Museum and BARK Animal Shelter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to:

Big Horn County Historical Museum
1163 Third St E, Hardin, MT 59034

BARK Animal Shelter
4017 1st Ave S, Billings, MT 59101

Her words remain a legacy of faith and hope: “Be kind to one another and hold onto your dear memories. Do not mourn for me, as I have been set free—set free to live eternally with my Lord.”

A Celebration of life for Shirley will be held on Friday, August 22 at 11:00 am at Dahl Funeral Chapel.
Celebration of Life

A livestream of the service can be viewed here: https://boxcast.tv/view/shirley-ratcliff-sp8izl6xikrlugjx7vm4

You are warmly invited to join the family for a luncheon and a time of fellowship and sharing memories immediately following the Celebration of Life service.

Private Family Interment to Follow