Robert Dale Ratterree

Robert Dale Ratterree was born on July 7, 1931, in Huggins, to Roy Earl and Jessie (Ellis) Ratterree. He passed away on Oct. 2, 2026, at his home in Mountain Grove. He was 95 years of age. Robert grew up in the Huggins area of Wright County and later graduated from Mountain Grove High School, Class of 1949. Around that same time, he met the love of his life, Bonnell McGinnis. They would later marry on Oct. 15, 1951, in Salem, Ark. After high school, Robert worked for McDonnell Douglas in California. Later, he was employed at a farm in Idaho. After returning to Missouri in the 1960s, he labored in the plumbing field throughout the Mountain Grove, Wright County area. In the early 1970s, Robert realized his dream of owning his own business. He started Ratterree and Barnes Plumbing, which remained in operation for over twenty years. In his early days, Robert enjoyed coon hunting, outdoor camping, and going to the lake. As the years went by, he loved watching football, especially when the Kansas City Chiefs were playing. However, there was no doubt he was a huge St. Louis Cardinals Fan! In his later years, Robert adored having his family over for get togethers at his home. Robert loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When he was able, he attended worship services at Southside Baptist Church in Mountain Grove.
Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Bonnell (McGinnis) Ratterree; sister, Edith Ellis Creiger, and her husband, Delbert Ernest, and their son, Delbert Ernest Creiger; granddaughter, Angela Lacey; great-granddaughter, Kaylee Endres; and son-in-law, Robert Newberry. Robert is survived by his sons, David Ratterree (Diane Dalrymple), of Springfield; Danny Ratterree (Janie), of St. Louis; and Mike Creiger (Diane), of Fair Grove; daughter, Sherri Newberry, of Mountain Grove; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several friends. A funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. The Rev. Gene Edwards officiated at the service. Serving as pallbearers were Mike Creiger, Matt Ratterree, Derrick Fredrick, Tyler Fredrick, Robert Wilson and Ethan Wilson. Honorary pallbearers were Megan Ratterree, Jesse Ratterree, Ben Ratterree, Taylor Wilson and Hunter Fredrick. Song selections included “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You” and “Til I’m Too Old to Die Young.” Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.