Mary Joan (Parker) Ratliff of Bartlett, Texas, died on Feb. 4, 2023.
Although she was born in Arizona in 1935, Joan’s family settled in Henderson, Texas, before purchasing a cattle ranch in Lampasas.
Joan graduated as valedictorian of the Lampasas High School Class of 1952.
Joan developed a passion for large animals, but she preferred horses to cows.
She owned many horses and participated in several riding clubs throughout her life.
Joan spent 40 years as a registered nurse, beginning with nursing school at Breckenridge Hospital in Austin. Her first nursing job was in OB/GYN for Drs. DesRosier, Wernecke and Burke in Austin from 1966-1981. She worked in ER and ICU care for Wilbarger General Hospital in Vernon from 1982-1989, and at Johns Community Hospital in Taylor from 1989-2006.
After retirement, she continued to work at home in her garden while also tending to her many farm animals and beloved dachshunds.
Joan was preceded in death by her eldest son, Ricky Vann of Wichita Falls, and by a granddaughter, Layla Adams of Amarillo.
She is survived by sisters Kay Walker of Georgetown and Sue Whitis of Burnet; her children Kathy Robinson of Tyler, Diana Hawkins of Wimberley, John Vann of Kingsland, Kim Beckwith of Elgin, and Scott Beckwith of Bartlett; and daughter-inlaw Mary Carol Vann of Wichita Falls. Grandchildren include Clayton, John and Don Vann; Tarrah Davis and Kendel Phelps; Shannon Cates and Brandon Johnson; and Kelly Vann. Great-grandchildren include Evelynn Vann; Casady Click; Colby, Chance and Cannon Davis; Arya and Elora Phelps; Alexandra, Baeden and Jaxson Cates; and Delilah, Radley, Rowdy and Violet Vann. Great-great-grandchildren are Layla, Axton and Maeve Click.
A family memorial will be held at a later date.
