Wynona Ratliff

Wynona Ratliff, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 23, 2022 at her home.

Wynona was born to Clyde and Alyne Haragan in Floyd, New Mexico on November 17, 1927.  She graduated from Floyd High School and attended Eastern New Mexico University and Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. Wynona and Jack were married on July 28, 1946.  They were appointed as Southern Baptist missionaries in 1952 and served in Honduras, Peru and Columbia.  Wynona partnered in ministry with Jack, serving in whatever capacity was needed; church organist, coordinating children’s ministries, women’s ministries, teaching young women how to cook and care for their families, to making wedding cakes for young brides.

In the late 1960’s Wynona and Jack returned to Albuquerque; Jack worked for the Baptist Convention of New Mexico followed by the Baptist Foundation and Church Loan Corporation and Wynona taught at Sunset Mesa School. In 1975, Jack and Wynona bought Sunset Mesa School.  During Wynona’s tenure at Sunset Mesa, she started the PE program as well as the Spanish enrichment program.  She has so capably worn many hats throughout her lifetime, excelling at whatever task she undertook.  Wynona made a house a home wherever she lived; she was an amazing hostess, hosting many pastors, families, and dignitaries through the years.  Wynona and Jack retired in 1998 when their daughter and son in law became second generation administrators of the school.  Wynona and Jack were active members of First Baptist Church, Hoffmantown Baptist Church and for the past 25 years, Sandia Baptist Church.  Wynona also served on the board of New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches for many years.  She served her family, church, neighbors and community with great love and passion.  Wynona entertained her grandchildren and great grandchildren well in to her 80’s by jumping on the trampoline, standing on her head, riding the kids scooter around the school campus and yodeling. Wynona was a classy dresser, beautiful inside and out, with a spunky personality all of her 94 years.

She is survived by her five children: Becki Glenn and husband Mike, Debbie Mask and husband Alan, Judy Hoffman and husband Mitch, John Ratliff, Jr and wife Melody, Cassidy Steele and husband Chris and a bonus daughter, Kaarin Johnston.  Wynona was the beloved “Mimaw” to her grandchildren: Aaron (Stephanie) Glenn, Cassidy (Jerry) Joule, Sarah (Joseph) Cook, Haleigh Mask, Meadow Mask, Justin Mask, Bailey Mask, Maegan Hoffman, Brandon (Erin) Hoffman, Nathan Ratliff, Alex Ratliff, Melissa Spain, Houston Burleson, Dylan (Amanda) Burleson, Nick (Denise) Brandenburger (Burleson), and adopted grandchildren Rich and Katrina Wright, Lane and Lene Wright, Monica Reyes (Mask), Andrew Reyes (Mask) and Aaron Jenkins (Mask).  Wynona is survived by twelve great grandchildren: Kiersten and Keegan Glenn, Daniel Joule, Jack, Holden and Camdyn Cook, Isa Guevara, Gwen, Finn and Tucker Burleson and Rylan and Hayes Burleson. Wynona was preceded in death by her husband, John (Jack) Ratliff; her parents, Nora Alyne and Clyde Haragan; her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Eddie Burrage; and by grandchildren, David and Rebecca Mask and JD Ratliff.

Visitation and viewing will be held Friday, June 17, 2022, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas.  Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Sandia Baptist Church, 9425 Constitution Ave NE, with pastors Mike Glenn, Wynona’s son-in-law, Aaron Glenn and Jerry Joule, Wynona’s grandsons, officiating.

Interment at Sunset Memorial Park will take place privately.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranch, 6209 Hendrix NE, Albuquerque, NM  87110.