Lois Faye Knote Ratliff, beloved mother, sister, Grandmother, Aunt, Great-Aunt, friend, teacher, and faithful servant—went home peacefully to Heaven on October 22nd, 2026. Lois leaves behind 3 sons and her 3 daughters-in-love: Dohn (Maggie) and Rohn (Rachel) Ratliff, Emmanuele (Hega) Lepri; her 8 grandchildren: Manni, Charity (Adam) Hunter, Kathleen, Timothy, Sean, and FayeEllen Ratliff, Nora and Emma Lepri; her 3 sisters: Linda and Marietta Keller and Nancy (Glen) MacDonald; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, John Ratliff; brother Darryl Knote, brothers-in-law Lester and Lloyd Keller, and her parents, Wayne and Christine Knote.
Lois loved her family. She made sure they were taken care of in numerous ways! Lois joined John in working with the Boy Scouts of America, acting as Den mother, chaperone, and doing whatever else was needed. She supported Dohn and Rohn as they both earned the rank of Eagle Scout. There was not a music event, play, wrestling match, football game, or other activity that their boys were involved in that John and Lois did not make a priority to attend. This continued throughout their college and careers. When the grandkids started participating in activities, she was always there if it was within her power. Family wasn’t just blood relatives; it was her teacher friends, her church family, and the children. Many were blessed by her presence at their activities, her generosity, and her never-ending faith that no matter what was going on, God was faithful and there was no need to worry. She was ready for heaven and continually prayed and ministered to each of us (many of us before she ever knew our names!) even as she was so sick in the hospital. She was His faithful servant.
Lois loved teaching. She continued teaching until she passed in the hospital. She taught Elementary school in Burley, ID, for 5 years, moving to Sidney, Montana, in the fall of 1969, then teaching several different grades in both Central and West Side Elementaries. She retired from Sidney Public Schools in 2003. Her favorite subjects to teach were Jesus and the Bible. She was passionate that children needed to be taught from babies to graduates, and she took seriously the calling she was given to share Jesus and the hope that we find in Him. As a member of the Church of Christ, she taught or cared for children at Vacation Bible School, on the Joy Bus, Sunday School, and any activities and meetings for the adults. She believed that young mothers needed Jesus and that giving them time to learn and sit at His feet, while she loved and taught their children, was what she needed to do. She was generous and loving. Not just with family, but with those who were lucky enough to be part of her orbit.
She had a gift for hospitality and never shrank from people dropping in unannounced. Family, friends, college kids traveling through or stuck without a place to stay, and anyone who needed housing for a music festival or church activity. Emmanuele Lepri was one of those students who lived with them for a year. He and his family became part of ours. Lois would be the first to tell you she wasn't a good cook. She felt that gift was given to her mom and sisters. She was always willing to bring something, but not necessarily homemade. There was always more than enough for whatever event was being held or at home.
Lois was a woman of faith. There was never a time when she took a “break” from Jesus. She truly was as described in 2nd Timothy 1:5-7(NIV),”I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Lois was also the example of a Titus 2 woman. Titus 2:3-5 (NIV) ”likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” Lois walked beside her daughters-in-love, sisters, and the younger family members to support and provide her unwavering faith and strength. Reminding us; serving did not always have to be a home-cooked, homemade item. You could love someone with your presence, and a trip to the grocery store did not lessen the ministry.
This legacy of faith and steadfastness passed to her children and grandchildren, and the many others that she taught along the way. It is a testament to her loving kindness and a life well-lived.