Hazel Dovel Ratcliffe, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and great, great grandmother passed away peacefully in the presence of her family Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014 at the age of 99 years and would have been 100 on November 16, 2014. Her Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, September 8, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church in Weatherford, OK with the Rev. Lynn Brack officiating.

Hazel was born Nov. 16, 1914, in Custer Co. to James and Myrtle (Stoneberger) Dovel. She attended Vicksburg and Gip grade schools and Arapaho High School, graduating in 1931. Following graduation she attended Southwestern Normal School, where she went to work for Lee Ratcliffe at his book store. After a lengthy courtship, she and Lee were married May 6, 1934. They continued to live in Weatherford where they established Ratcliffe Book Shop. Ratcliffe Textbooks have now grown to five locations and are operated by sons Richard and Randy and grandson James Ratcliffe. Hazel was unpretentious, a person of intellect and humor. She was a motivational leader for the family and was a wonderful example for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Above all, she was dedicated to her family, friends and church. She dearly loved her husband of 68 years. Lee died May 6, 2002.

Hazel was active in her church. She and Lee were members of the First United Methodist Church for as long as they lived and served in whatever position needed. She loved travelling, loved Oklahoma, Weatherford and coming home from trips. She was a member of Chapter FG, P. E. O., and Daughters of the American Revolution and she was active on many civic committees. She enjoyed cooking, reading playing bridge and entertaining family and friends. Hazel now joins Lee, her husband of 68 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sisters and two brothers.

Hazel is survived by her children Ann Lee and her husband Lou Busch of Redlands, CA, son Richard Kent Ratcliffe and wife Lou Rose of Weatherford, Son Randall Ratcliffe and his wife Rita of Norman. Grandchildren James Ratcliffe and wife Dana Leigh of Weatherford, Emily Ann Otero and husband Jesus of Oklahoma City, Jon Busch and wife Audrey Busch-Weiss of Goleta, CA, Suzanne Busch of Redlands, CA. Rachel Ratcliffe of Austin, TX, Madeline Ratcliffe of Norman and Noah Ratcliffe of Norman. Great grandchildren Heather Ratcliffe Busey and her husband Philip of Edmond, Travis Ratcliffe of Weatherford, Gabriel Otero and Christian Otero of OKC and Cody Busch-Weiss of Goleta, CA. She has one great, great grandchild Griffin Busey of Edmond and is survived by many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Hazel said to tell everyone she and Lee will see you again, likely at a heavenly book store in the sky. Memorials may be made to the Weatherford Pioneer Center Nutrition Program Foundation.