Michael L. Ratliff, 66, Valley Falls, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at his home.

He was born April 30, 1949, at Topeka, the son of Walter D. "Bud" and Bette Lee Forbes Ratliff. He graduated from Kemper Military High School in Booneville, MO, and later received a degree in Political Science from Washburn University.

Mike was a Deputy Courtroom Clerk for 27 years at the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, KS. After retirement he worked for the US Census Bureau. He was a member of the Valley Falls United Methodist Church and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 1999 in Kansas City, KS.

He married Elizabeth Schaller, Jan. 3, 1981, at Valley Falls.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth, of the home; two daughters, Morgan Ratliff, Joplin, MO, and Logan Ratliff, Topeka; two brothers, David Ratliff, Winchester, and Patrick Ratliff, Shawnee; and two sisters, Vicki Jacoba, Duluth, MN, and Cindy Bell, Topeka.

The Memorial Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at the Valley Falls United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends following the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Inurnment will be private at Pleasant View Cemetery at Oskaloosa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jefferson County Friends of Hospice or to the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.