Stephen E. Ratliff

Stephen (Steve) Eugene Ratliff died unexpectedly on Saturday April 10, 2021 from Covid-19. Born March 16, 1961 in Battle Creek, MI he attended Battle Creek Public Schools including Battle Creek Central High School. He studied art at Kellogg Community College, then graduated from Lincoln College of Technology in Indianapolis, IN in which he studied Diesel Mechanics in 1985. After college, he returned to Michigan to work as an Auto Technician at Battle Creek Ford. He later worked at Springfield Transmission, and worked many different jobs as needed at the Griffon Grill and Pub. He owned his own garage, Stephen’s Automotive. Steve met the love of his life, and married Catherine (Cathy) Cipcic in 1987. They were married 11 years. As a young man, Steve lived during the times when he and his gang of friends owned muscle cars, enjoyed cheap gas and cruising in Battle Creek and Marshall was still popular. He joined the Battle Creek Griffon Rugby Club in the early 80’s and played on and off over 20 years, playing as recently as their 2015 Reunion Game. In 1998, he joined his Rugby Brothers on a trip to Scotland, where he had the time of his life. He also held the title of Team Captain, for a number of years. Having lost an eye at age 7, he said playing was hard, but that’s what he liked about it. No one treated him any differently or cut him any breaks when he played, he was like everyone else. He recently became a member of the team’s Old Boys Club. He enjoyed people, he loved to hang out at the Cricket or the Griffon and raise a glass with many friends over the years. Steve enjoyed watching movies and listening to music. He lived in the moment. He was a generous man, and kindhearted amongst his friends. He is survived by two sisters, Andrea Talent, and Clover Ratliff; brother, Robert (Melissa) Ratliff; niece, Brandi (Nick) Layer; nephew, Ryan (Bethany) Ratliff; great nieces, Leigha Layer and Autumn Ratliff. He was preceded in death by his father, William M Ratliff in 1994 and his mother, Rita (Coyne) Bradley in 2016. In accordance with Stephen’s wishes, cremation has taken place. His ashes will be interned at Memorial Park Cemetery next to his love Cathy, at a private graveside service as well as some of his ashes will be scattered in New Zealand, through his Rugby Brothers, a place he always dreamed of going. There is an outdoor Celebration of Life being planned for warmer weather. Arrangements entrusted to Baxter Funeral and Cremation.