Ratcliffe, Marguerite Elizabeth Atwell

Marguerite Elizabeth Atwell Ratcliffe, 93, of Pearisburg, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday evening, February 28, 2012, in Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg, Va. Mrs. Ratcliffe was born on June 28, 1918, in Giles County, Va., and was a daughter of the late Fitzhugh Lee Atwell and Cora Alice Lawrence Atwell. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Gale Ratcliffe; one son, Lewis Douglas Ratcliffe; six brothers; and one sister. The days of her life have been filled with first, the love of her life, Louie; second, with her family; and third, with the friends she loves and cherishes. Her faith in her God is evident in her daily life. Anyone who knew her is very aware of her many talents, this list included sewing, electrician, hair dresser, pie maker, Sunday dinners, taffy pulls, playing ball with the kids, helping to raise the “boys” of the Bluff City Ducks, caning chairs with her father, and being the Princess all the while. As a young bride who was very shy, she married into the Ratcliffe clan (and anyone who knows them can testify that there is no shyness in these people). She was immediately given the title of “Princess” by her brother-in- law, Clarence, then the other family members followed his lead; thus, she is still the “Princess.” But you must be aware that she is shy and will not to this day say that she understands why they did that. However, if you really know her, you will know that she has worked hard, loved much, suffered hardships, and she has earned her “Princess” title. She wore it well!! She is survived by two daughters, Patricia R. Stone, of Blacksburg, and Judith R. Corell and husband, Jack, of Pearisburg; six grandchildren, Paula Robertson and husband, Joe, Richard D. Corell and wife, Victoria, John P. Stone III, Gregory L. Stone and wife, Tabitha, Barbara Tate and Ken, Jill C. Grubbs and husband, Eddie; eight great- grandchildren, Michelle Stowe and husband, Jody, Kelly Bostic and husband, Peter, Kyle Robertson, Amber Smith and husband, Josh, Cosbi Stone, Ashly Stone, and Gregory Lewis Stone Jr.; four great- great- grandchildren, Rhiannon Stowe, Sadie Marguerite Stowe, Patrick Bostic, and Gab Smith; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg, Va., with Dr. Brad Scott and Dr. Fred L. Austin officiating. Burial will follow in the Birchlawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the Givens Funeral Home on Friday evening, March 2, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. Online condolences can be sent to the family at givensfuneralhome.com.