SR2039 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2039 LRB100 23479 ALS 42514 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Jesse James Ratfield of Marengo, who passed away on September 10, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Jesse Ratfield was born to Merritt and Margaret (Schwarz) Ratfield on November 19, 1925; he was raised on a farm in Marengo and graduated from Marengo Community High School in 1943; after graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corp, where he was a corporal with the Marine Air Warning Squadron 7; and

WHEREAS, Jesse Ratfield retired from a management position at Commonwealth Edison after 39 years of service; after retirement, he and his wife relocated to Palm Bay, Florida; and

WHEREAS, Jesse Ratfield was an elder at The First Presbyterian Church in Marengo; he was a 32nd degree Master Mason, a past President of the McHenry County Shrine Club, a member of the Shriners Air Squadron, a past financial advisor for the Tebala Shriners, and a past Commander at the Marengo VFW; in 2013, he was inducted into the Marengo Community High School Football Hall of Fame; he enjoyed flying, traveling, fishing, and golfing; he will be remembered for his wonderful storytelling abilities; and

WHEREAS, Jesse Ratfield was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Della Kellogg, Normal Noe, and Neva Listy; and

WHEREAS, Jesse Ratfield is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Lou; his children, Nancy (Jim) Jamrozek, Tom (Pam) Ratfield, and Bill (Pamela) Ratfield; his six grandchildren; and his nine great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Jesse James Ratfield and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jesse Ratfield as an expression of our deepest sympathy.