John Russell Ratliff

John Russell Ratliff, a resident of Beaver, Arkansas was born March 1, 1929 in Fender, Ark. He was the son of Luke Ratliff and Mary Alma (Sits) and Dan Kaffka. He departed this life Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Circle of Life Hospice House in Bentonville, AR at the age of 84 years. An honored veteran, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 30 years during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Always willing to help his fellow veterans, after retirement he served as the Carroll County Veteran's Officer. John was a member of the Holiday Island Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, and the Rotary Club. John owned and operated Wardrobe Cleaners in Eureka Springs for eleven years and served as Mayor of Beaver, Arl. for twelve years. As a founding member of the community, he was instrumental in the establishment of Beaver Park on Table Rock Lake. Working relentlessly with the Corp of Engineers, he secured the necessary support to properly maintain the Little Golden Gate Bridge. Through all the years of hard work and help from many volunteers he was pleased to witness the accomplishment of his mission. On June 25, 1948, John was united in marriage with Elizabeth (Meier) who survives him of the home. He is also survived by one son, John "JR" Ratliff and wife Robyn of Eureka Springs, Ark.; four daughters Debbie and husband James Willbanks of Bentonville, Ark. Mary Ambrose of Holiday Island, Ark., Patty and husband Tom Marler, Cindy Ratliff, Tina and husband Homer Johnson, and adopted son and daughter, Nitz and Kim Eiler, all of Eureka Springs, Ark.; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Luke Ratliff and mother and step-father, Mary Alma and Dan Kaffka. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the American Legion Post #9, at the junction of Highways 23N and 187, Eureka Springs, Ark. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Holiday Island Baptist Church, 14 Stateline Drive, Holiday Island, Ark. 72631, American Legion Post #9, 2546 Mundell Road, Eureka Springs, Ark. 72631, or Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark. 72762. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com.