Judy Hartman Ratcliffe of Tryon Estates, Columbus, North Carolina, passed away on Jan. 21, 2026, at the age of 78.
She was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and was the daughter of the late Elmer Hartman and Shirley Marie Judy Hartman.
Mrs. Ratcliffe grew up in Franklin and attended the public schools of Pendleton County, where she graduated in the class of 1965.
She graduated in 1969 with honors from Fairmont State University and completed her master’s degree in 1973 at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
She spent her working life in the public schools of North Carolina as the director of Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities for Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and for Henderson County Public Schools from which she retired in 2005. She received a number of awards and recognitions for her advocacy for disabled children. She was most proud of the award she received from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill as being the outstanding administrator in North Carolina in developing and implementing educational programs for children with autism.
She loved animals, especially horses, dogs, and cats, and frequently added homeless pets to her unique menagerie of adopted pets.
She was an avid reader and enjoyed music of all genres.
She returned to Pendleton County as often as possible and maintained contact with close friends and family.
Her husband, Robert Richard Ratcliffe III, MD, preceded her in death.
She was the mother to one son, John Hartman Cook, and stepmother to Andrew Morgan Ratcliffe, Cynthia Armour Ratcliffe, and Robert Richard Ratcliffe IV (deceased). She is also survived by her younger sister, JoAnn Hartman Harrington; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she adored.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Nancy Hartman Cannon and Patsy Hartman Sheehan; and two brothers, Eugene Hartman and Delano Wayne Hartman.
In accordance with her wishes, a private service will be held at a later date.
McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, North Carolina, was in charge of arrangements.
