Patricia Jeanne Ratton

Patricia Jeanne (Pat) Ratton, born February 3, 1933 in Smackover, passed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on November 25, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Helen Ratton. She is survived by a sister, Peggy (Langston) Huddleston; nieces, Kathi Coe and Trish (John) Fletcher and daughters, Leslie Fletcher and Leeann (Brent) Morris; a nephew, Mike Coe and son Michael; and step-nephew, Mark Huddleston. Pat served as the Preschool Specialist in the Sunday School Department at Arkansas Baptist State Convention from 1967-1995. As one of many accomplishments, she began the Weekday Early Education Workshops in Arkansas, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. She also coordinated the summer preschool program at Arkansas Baptist Assembly in Siloam Springs. Prior to that, she was the Preschool Director at Little Rock's First Baptist Church and other churches in Pine Bluff and Texarkana, Texas. After retirement from Arkansas Baptist State Convention, she served as the interim Children's Minister at Park Hill Baptist Church. Known for her spirit and energy, she had a wonderful sense of humor. For example, Pat, who never married, always joked that she wanted women pallbearers. "If they won't take me out while I am alive, they won't take me out when I die!" As a result, several of her close female friends have been asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. Consistent with her life's work, Pat left her estate to support children's work through the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home. A celebration of her life will be held at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 with burial service at 2:30 p.m. at the Smackover City Cemetery. The memorial service will be led by Dr. Cary Heard and Dr. Ken Shaddox, and the graveside by Dr. David Moore. The family will receive friends at 9 a.m. prior to the service. Arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home (501-791-7400). Memorials can be given to Park Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 E. C Avenue, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.