Donna Ratcliff

May 9, 1947 - April 7, 2021

05/09/1947 - 04/07/2021

Past Services

Visitation
Sunday April 11, 2021
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes - Bellaire Chapel
441 37th Street
Bellaire, OH 43906
740-676-1611 | Directions
Service
Sunday April 11, 2021
2:00 pm
Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes - Bellaire Chapel
441 37th Street
Bellaire, OH 43906
740-676-1611 | Directions

Donna Jean Ratcliff was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor. She peacefully left this world on April 7, 2021 at the age 73, surrounded by her daughter, son and son-in-love.

She was born May 9, 1947 in Glen Dale, WV to the late William and Marie (Shoemaker) Lemasters.

Donna was a Christian by faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, James Howell, her daughter-in-law Kathy, and her beloved dog Honey.

Donna’s life was the epitome of “blooming where you’re planted.” She left everything better than she found it–including the people she loved and cared for. The simplest pleasures in life brought her great joy. She loved morning coffee on her porch, tending to her flowers, Saturday “adventures” with her family, daily phone calls from her son, teasing her son-in-law, and “good” yard sales, where she would buy items not for herself but because “someone might need them.”

At the age of 40, Donna returned to school, earning a college degree, and began a career serving adults with developmental disabilities at BelcoWorks. She deeply loved her clients.

Whether by car, plane, or bus, Donna was an avid traveler to destinations near and far. Some of her favorite vacations included parasailing in Hawaii, hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville with her best friend Josie and her numerous trips to Jamaica. Her grandson Logan was her faithful travel companion, partner-in-shenanigans and “the best roomie ever.”

She was a devoted caregiver and a self-proclaimed “Dogaholic.” Her boundless love, quiet strength and unwavering support made her a surrogate mom to many. She loved Christmas, fresh pastries, Bellaire Big Reds football, QVC, The Voice, and the color pink.

She is survived by her two children, Don Ratcliff of Findlay, OH; Misty (Joe) Klug of Shadyside, OH, two grandsons, Nicholas Cross and Logan Klug, her beloved dog Tiny and many dear friends. She is also survived by five brothers, William (Linda) Lemasters of Moundsville, WV; Robert (Joanne) Lemasters of Zanesville, OH; Danny Lemasters of Wheeling, WV; Dennis (Debbie Wendel) Lemasters of Bridgeport, OH; Eugene Lemasters.

A memorial service takes place Sunday, April 11 at Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home, 441 37th Street, Bellaire, Ohio from noon until the time of service at 2pm. The family asks that you wear masks and observe social distancing as much as possible.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee or by going to TMCFunding.com.

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Jill Brinker
2 years ago

Misty, Donnie and families, I just saw this and I am so sorry for the loss of your lovely mom. My deepest sympathy to you all. Donna was a great neighbor and person.

Bonnie Brooks
2 years ago

I went to school with Donna at Belmont Tech as it was called back then. She was a lovely person. May you all be comforted by your memories today and always. Godspeed.

Susan and Elaine Patt
2 years ago

So many thank you to Donna from Susan and Elaine Patt
She left the world a better place because of her work at Belco
Deep sympathy to her family

Janice Clark Ott
2 years ago

Deepest sympathy to Donnie and Misty and families. My thoughts and prayers to you all.

Chris and Rosemarie Wasko
2 years ago

We’ve known Donna for many years. She was not only a wonderful person, but a great neighbor. She will be missed. God bless her and may God embrace her soul.

Bruce
2 years ago

D J I always respected your courage and strength and I’m grateful that we had a chance to reconnect old friend R.I.P.

Deb and Rich
2 years ago

Feeling so much sadness for your family. Holding you close in our hearts and prayers.

Sherri
2 years ago

Donna Jean,
May you Rest In Peace my friend… You and Jimmy were so good to everyone… including myself

Lexxi
2 years ago

We are thinking of you all and sending lots of love and peace. Donna Jean made this world brighter!

Andy & Jaime Cripple and the Boys
2 years ago

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Don and his family for the passing of their beloved Mother.