Jay C. Ratliff, 73, Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 4, 2016, at home. He was born July 27, 1942, the son of Topsy and Leone (Fairchild) Ratliff. On Feb. 1, 1975, he married Hollie Stearns, in Gloversville, N.Y.

He is survived by his wife: Hollie Ratliff, Topeka; three children: Hollie Gean (John) Rieth, Goshen; Peggy (Dallas) Mishler, Howe; and Shari Henson, Urbana, Ohio; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two cats; a dog: Molly; two grandogs; three grandcats, all who loved him dearly; a sister: Ella Ratliff, Denver, Ky.; three half-sisters: Mary; Ollie; Martha; and a half-brother: Lawrence, all of Ky.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant children: Faith and Matthew; brothers: Frank; Obie; Leander; Ova; Charles and Holly; and sisters: Hattie; Dicie; and Dixie.

Jay graduated from Oil Springs High School in 1961 and worked for many years in the RV industry, retiring from Starcraft Industries in Topeka. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Ligonier, and enjoyed Nascar, cooking, and more than anything, being with his family.

A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday, April 7, at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. Pastor Kevin Dekonick, Topeka United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Eden Cemetery, Topeka. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until time of the service Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to a local humane society in honor of Jay’s love of animals. Yeager Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.