Michael D. Ratcliff

Michael D. Ratcliff, age 81 of Miamisburg, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024. Mike was born December 28, 1942 to John Guy Ratcliff and Margaret Jean Bain Ratcliff, both now deceased, in Gary, Indiana. He was raised in two small farming towns in west-central Indiana. He graduated from Russellville High School in 1960, where the total high school enrollment was 36, and he graduated from DePauw University in 1964.

Mike is preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda Ratcliff. He is survived by his three children, Catherine (Peter Vaughan) Ratcliff, Ann (Avery) Turner, and David Ratcliff. He is also survived by the other loves of his life, his five grandchildren Devereaux Turner, Olivia Totty, Aleea Ratcliff, Kendall Turner, and Quincy Turner; and two great-grandchildren, Demi Turner and Louise Roe.

Mike worked his entire career in local government, serving as City Manager in Marine City, Michigan, Vandalia, Ohio, and Trotwood, Ohio. While working in those jobs, he was also chair of the Trotwood-Madison Merger Commission, and was a founding member and first president of the Miami Valley Fair Housing Commission. After retirement he served as Executive Director of the Dayton Area City Managers Association and the Greater Dayton Mayors and Managers Association. Mike also served a term on the Trotwood-Madison Board of Education.

Outside of work, Mike was active in soccer, was a class1 high school referee, a USSF referee and a soccer coach at multiple levels, including high school. He was a motorcycle rider, each year taking an extended trip with his brother, David, where they rode all over the country. He was also an avid fisherman.

More than anything Mike was committed to serving others and spreading the Good News. He was a volunteer worker at Carillon Park. He was active in teaching Christian Development classes at Normandy UMC. Mike made three trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo where he taught leadership and management skills to church and civic leaders. He always spoke highly of these experiences, as they made such a profound impact on his life. John Wesley's credo, "Do Good. Do No Harm, and Stay in Love with God." was Mike's guide to life.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating an hour of your time to support racial, social or economic justice, taking care of those most in need. If you wish to make a monetary donation, consider either House of Bread or St. Vincent de Paul.

There will be a private graveside ceremony. Interment at Cavalry Cemetery. To share a memory of Mike or to leave a special message for his family, please click the "Share Memories" button.