Walter O. Ratts, age 77 of Shattuc, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
Walter was born on October 5, 1947, in Martinsville, the son of Otis and Edna Mae (Stanford) Ratts. He married Mary Brown in 1984, and she preceded him in death.
He is survived by two children, Lea Ann Garrett and significant other Dan Robinson of Centralia and Roger Dixon and wife Audrey of Shattuc; six grandchildren, Anthony Garrett and wife Jennifer, Jessica Biegeleisen and husband Tim, Mackenzie Dixon, Geni Heimann, Eric Dixon, and Emma Dixon; three great-grandchildren, Jaden Clegg, Athena Biegeleisen, and Willow Higginbotham; his significant other, Carol Tate; and siblings, Tom Stanford of MO, William Brookman and wife Mary of Centralia, Charles Ratts of OK, Goldie Shehorn and husband Ray of Orchardville, Bob Ratts of Iuka, and Pat Ratts and wife Rosalie of Iuka.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother, Jim Ratts, and sisters-in-law, Dottie Stanford, Monica Ratts, and Caroline Ratts.
Walter was a member of the Shattuc United Methodist Church. He had retired as a maintenance foreman with the Illinois Central Railroad. He had served his country in the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He served on the Salem American Legion Honor Guard, providing Military Honors to our Veterans. Walter was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, and enjoyed gardening.
A Memorial Service for Walter O. Ratts will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Larry Albert officiating. A time to visit with family will be from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. Burial will be in Palestine Cemetery in Iuka with Military Honors accorded by the Salem American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made towards his grandchildren’s education and can be received at Crouse Funeral Home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
