Elijah James Ratterree was born Feb. 19, 2002, to Joe and Roxy Ratterree in Springfield. He left this life Sunday, Sep. 12, 2021, doing what he loved to do, being in the woods and logging with his dad. Eli was our quiet, sweet spirited young man that always had a quick smile and a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He never complained or put himself ahead of others. Anytime you had a worry about his generation, you just had to look at him and know that God was still raising up good, hardworking, compassionate and selfless young men. Losing him in this life leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled, but we know this isn’t the end of Eli’s story. He’s just beginning his new chapter with Jesus before us.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jimmy and Cheri Ratterree; great-grandma, Betty Taylor; and great-uncles, Kenny Ratterree and Jim Raper. He leaves behind with broken hearts his parents, Joe and Roxie; two brothers, Kenaniah and Daniel; and one sister, Jessica. He adored his siblings and the love was mutual. He also leaves his maternal grandmother, Sheila Rhoads; and great grandfather, Junior Taylor; uncle, Jake Crewse; great-uncles and aunts, Gary and Diana Harrison, Janet Ratterree, Benny and Tammy Ratteree, Elmer and Marie Ault, Mary Raper, Justin and Tonya Taylor and Debbie and Ted Limmell. We ask you to please pray for our family as we deal with the loss of our precious boy. Funeral services for Elijah Ratterree were held Saturday, Sep. 18, 2021. At 11 a.m. at Hopewell Free Will Baptist Church, Graff, with John Ratterree and Evan Harrison officiating. Song selections were “The Coloring Song,” “Scars In Heaven” and “You Are My Sunshine.” Randy Hicks, Jake Crewse, Judd Rau, Justin Landfried, Terry Creed and Paul Bramwell served as pallbearers. Joe Ratterree, Kenaniah Ratterree, Gary Harrison, Tyler Harrison, Jimmie Crisp and Steve Kutz served as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Hopewell Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
