Jacqueline (Dent) Ratney

Jacqueline “Big Jackie” and "Jackie" Ratney, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully from natural causes on September 21, 2023, at Life Care Nursing Home in Michigan City, IN. Born on March 22, 1941, in East Chicago, IN, Jackie was the cherished daughter of the late Jamie Lee Dent and Virginia (Jones) Dent.

Jackie was a longtime resident of East Chicago, where she received her formal education from the East Chicago Public Schools. Jackie married the late Walter R. Ratney on the 28th day of December 1977 in Gary, IN. She was a dedicated housewife who loved her family dearly. Jackie and Walter attended church together in Gary, their faith a cornerstone of their partnership and family life.

In 2021, Jackie moved to Michigan City, where she spent the final years of her life. Although she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter R. Ratney, her son Walter Lee Anderson Jr., her brothers Robert Upshaw and Homer Williams, and her sister Jean Perkins, her spirit and legacy continue to thrive in the family she leaves behind.

Jackie is survived by her children Cynthia Dent, Sharon Haskins, Danielle Haskins, Clifton (Valerie) Ratney, Lamar Ratney, and Kamanie Ratney. She also leaves behind a special friend, Shirley Boyd, forty grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her family remembers her as a loving and kind woman who always put the needs of others before her own.

Jackie had a passion for creativity and the domestic arts. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and making arts and crafts, especially jewelry boxes. Her true joy, however, was found in the kitchen, where she loved cooking for her family. The meals she prepared were a testament to her love and care for her loved ones, and they will be remembered and missed by all who had the pleasure of enjoying them.

As we remember Jackie, we celebrate a life filled with love, compassion, and dedication to family. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her spirit and legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the family she cherished. Rest in peace, Jacqueline "Jackie" Ratney. Your memory will be carried in the hearts of those who loved you, forever.

YOUR LIFE WAS A BLESSING, YOUR MEMORY A TREASURE

Her Celebration of Life will be 12pm-1pm, Thursday, October 12, 2023 at New Covenant Outreach Ministries with Pastor Dwayne Hurt to give the eulogy burial will follow in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Viewing will be 11am-12pm, Thursday, October 12, 2023 at New Covenant Outreach Ministries.

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