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Delilah Ratcliff, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went home to be with the Lord on the evening of Sept. 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith and devotion. Her deep love for God and family was the foundation of her life, and she found her greatest joy in being called “Granny,” a title she cherished with all her heart. Delilah’s faithfulness, strength and unwavering dedication touched the lives of all who knew and loved her.
Born on June 30, 1935, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to Sandford and Evelyn (Youngman) Stearns, Delilah grew up in Texas, where she developed strong values and a deep love for family. Her life journey continued when she met and married her high school sweetheart, Sonny Ratcliff, on July 15, 1952. Sonny always dreamed of living out west, and together they moved to Billings, Montana, then to Shepherd, Montana, before settling in Powell, Wyoming, in 1973. There, they bought a farm and built a lasting home with their two children, Russ and Sandy. Their love story was one of enduring devotion, filled with decades of precious memories, until Sonny’s passing in 2008.
Delilah had many passions that brought her peace and fulfillment. She loved reading and planting flowers, and as a devoted partner to Sonny, she helped him run Ratcliff Machine while also working tirelessly on the family farm. She found joy in sewing and quilting, creating beautiful, treasured pieces that reflected her boundless creativity and care. An enthusiastic football fan, Delilah often told people her love for the game stemmed from her days as a cheerleader in her youth. She cherished family gatherings, affectionately calling them “family opportunities,” where she loved bringing everyone together to celebrate and share in each other’s lives. Some of her most cherished moments were spent on her front porch, listening to the birds and soaking in the simple beauty of her surroundings.
Her commitment to her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Delilah was deeply involved in her church for many years, serving with joy and a heart for others. Even as her health declined in her later years and her involvement lessened, her steadfast faith remained a source of strength and comfort.
Delilah is survived by her children, Russ (Tammy) Ratcliff and Sandy Ratcliff, along with grandchildren Mandy, Josh, Dusty, Jeanne, Amanda and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry on the legacy of love and family that she and Sonny built together. She is also survived by many treasured members of her extended family. Delilah was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny, and great-grandson, Dustin Caden Ratcliff.
While her presence will be deeply missed, her spirit and memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
A graveside service was held, with burial at Crown Hill Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their warmest gratitude to Spirit Mountain Home Health and Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Delilah in her final days.
