Dear Readers,
On Saturday, August 30, 2025, Seymour High School lost their beloved family and consumer science teacher, Mrs. Julie Ratliff. She was truly a special person to students and staff, with some students giving her the nickname “Meemaw Ratliff.” For more than forty-nine years she dedicated her time and talents to our school community.
Mrs. Ratliff meant more to me than I can ever express: she was a teacher, a hero, and an inspiration. “So, you’re Lila,” was the first thing she said to me, as if she had been waiting to meet me. Every day she greeted me with a warm “Good morning” and sent me off with “Have a good day.” I remember her passing out papers, stopping at every desk to personally give each student a worksheet. She loved hearing about the little celebrations in our lives.
When I was having a hard day, simply passing Mrs. Ratliff and seeing her loving smile made everything lighter. I can still picture her asking about my project in Principles of Teaching—not because she felt obligated, but because she truly cared. I recall her excitement when I brought in blueberry muffins for extra credit. These memories will always stay with me, tucked safely in my heart.
My favorite memories of Mrs. Ratliff were her stories. It would take the whole class period to get through notes because she always had stories to tell, stories of her childhood, husband, children, and grandchildren. I can still remember her laughter filling the classroom; her memories brought her so much joy to share. Her class was the only class I enjoyed taking notes in, always smiling as she spoke.
On the last day of school last year, the last day I saw Mrs. Ratliff, she told me she loved my shirt. Now, when I miss her, I pull that gray quilted letter sweatshirt on, and it feels warmer and cozier than it ever did before.
What if I told you I had Mrs. Ratliff for only one semester? In five months, she showed me what it is like to be loved by a teacher. She made me feel welcomed and appreciated, and impacted my future career in elementary education. I hope I can be half of the teacher Mrs. Ratliff was to me for my future students.
My heart is with her family, friends, students, and colleagues who were blessed to know her far longer. I hold her children in my thoughts, remembering the steady love they received from her every day. I send comfort to her grandchildren, who shared so many happy hours cooking, playing, and laughing by her side. I think of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd, who have walked alongside her since the very beginning of their own teaching careers. I feel for Mrs. Halterman, who once learned in her classroom and later had the privilege of working beside her—a journey that inspired her to teach. I keep Mrs. Rebecca Ratliff close in my heart, knowing she experienced her as both a mother-in-law and a coworker. I offer my sympathy to every staff member who passed her in the halls and was greeted by her kindness. And I send love to every student who found a passion for early childhood education or nutrition because of her guidance.
I may have been Mrs. Ratliff’s student for only one semester, but she changed my entire life. I will always remember her love, her laughter, and her never-ending kindness.
I miss you, Mrs. Ratliff❤️
Love,
Lila Garrity
