Shirley Faye Ratkovich-Clarke

SHIRLEY F. RATKOVICH-CLARKE

Shirley Ratkovich-Clarke, a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2021, at the age of 88. She was born in Haswell, Colorado in 1933 and was raised with 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

She married John (Sonny) Ratkovich on September 1, 1950, who passed away 31 years later. They had 4 children, John Gary (Carmen) Ratkovich, Patricia (Joe) Bullock, Cheryl Ratkovich, David (Tami) Ratkovich, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley was a founding member of the Penrose Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and a member of PEO. She enjoyed singing, playing the piano, gardening, and baking. She loved collecting anything with butterflies.

In 1988 she married Bob Clarke in a double wedding they shared with daughter Patricia and son-in-law Joe. They had 29 loving years together. They raised ostriches and emus and would use the eggs to create music boxes and other artwork. They enjoyed traveling and loved spending time with their family. Bob preceded her in death in 2018 and daughter Cheryl in 2019.

Shirley was such a loving and nurturing person who always put her family first. She will be forever loved and missed by everyone.

ROBERT T. CLARKE

Robert T. Clarke passed away May 11, 2018, at the age of 78. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1940.

He was proud to be a United States Marine. He worked as a Quality Engineer at Martin Marietta Aerospace, and later taught electronics at USC Pueblo until retirement.

In 1988 he married the love of his life Shirley Ratkovich. They liked to travel to South Texas where he loved to fish with his buddy Robert. We are thankful they found each other and to have Bob as our second father and grandfather. He adored his wife and loved having their grandkids around. His long stories and just his presence will forever be missed.

The family is forever grateful to all the staff at Hildebrand Care Center for the care and friendship given to Shirley and Bob.

A Memorial Service will be held at Wilson Funeral Home, 1449 South 9th Street, Canon City, CO 81212 on October 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Penrose Fire Dept. 207 Broadway, Penrose, CO 81240.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Faye Ratkovich-Clarke, please visit our floral store.