Julie Ann Ratley went home to be with her Heavenly Father on May 4, 2022 at the early age of 67.  She left this world while in the comforting arms of her faithful husband and daughter-in-law.  Despite the physical suffering she endured over the last few years, she fought cancer with bravery and optimism, to the inspiration of many.  She found solace in her faith in Jesus Christ and looked toward the peace of heaven.  Julie “Juls” Ratley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a dear friend.

She was born to Joan and Duane Myers on July 13, 1954.  She married the love of her life, Jim “Jimbo”in 1980, and together they created an amazing life full of laughter, love, and adventures.  She was a proud mother to her three children; Wayne, Cindy, and Abby and relished her role as “Granny Juls” and “JuJu” to four grandchildren; Courtney, Amber, Jack, and Ava.  Julie loved her family fiercely and was known to call, encourage, and share in all their joys and sorrows.  Julie wanted the best for others. 

Julie attended De Queen High School in De Queen, Arkansas, graduating as the Salutatorian and a National Honor Society student.  She was also a varsity cheerleader and voted “Best Personality.”

In her first 20 years of adult life, she was a military wife married to an Army Aviator and traveled the world while at the same time raising a hemophiliac son, who required many visits to Army hospitals.  She bravely learned how to be the “nurse” at home.  Julie then settled in Washington State, serving as a Legal Assistant, then as an assistant to a Superior Court Judge for 17 years until retirement.

Julie blossomed as a gifted artist in her retirement years, enjoying painting, glass, pottery, and hand-crafted greeting cards to share her love with others. She was a passionate dog lover and considered each of them a part of her family.  She was adventurous, studious and very organized- many times to the point of not being able to find anything.

Julie was a bright light that made everyone around her laugh and provided memories filled with joy and happiness, best of all she was able to laugh at herself.  She was known to spark up conversations with strangers (much to the embarrassment of her children) and made instant friends. Her southern roots were strong, and she rarely came out of her room without lipstick, even when she was sick. She loved others deeply and lived life fully with laughter, music, and social get-togethers filling her days. Many celebrations can be remembered (or not) at the Ratleys’.  She loved to entertain, and no one ever left hungry. 

Julie’s life will be honored in a memorial service on Friday May 27th at 3:00 pm at St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church, 600 South La Cañada Drive in Green Valley.  A Celebration of Life Reception will follow at 4:30 pm at the Quail Creek Madera Clubhouse, 2055 E Quail Crossing Blvd in Green Valley. There will be food, drink and an opportunity to share stories.

To share a memory or send condolences, please contact the family at: jnjrats@gmail.com.

Please request flowers through Camilot Flowers, 1451 S. La Canada Dr, #5, Green Valley AZ, (520) 625-1199 and send to: St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church, 600 South La Cañada Drive, Green Valley, AZ  85614.

To make a gift in memory of Julie Ann Ratley to the “University of Arizona Cancer Center”:

• Please make checks payable to “Banner Health Foundation”

• Note on the memo line: University of Arizona Cancer Center in memory of Julie Ann Ratley

Mail to: Banner Health Foundation, c/o Debbie Sheppard, 2901 N. Central Avenue, Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ  85012

• To Donate Online, please visit: https://secure2.convio.net/banner/site/Donation2?df_id=1520&1520.donation=form1&mfc_pref=TUnder

• Under Gift Designation, click “direct my gift to”

• Select “University of Arizona Cancer Center” from the drop down menu

• Fill in the requested information under Honoree Information

• Select “In memory of” from the drop down menu for Honor Gift Type