Deborah "Debbie" Ratliff

Deborah "Debbie" Ann Ratliff (nee Russ) of Crystal Lake passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, July 19, 2026. She is no longer homesick for heaven as she has now entered the arms of her savior.

Born in Owensboro, Kentucky on February 8, 1958, Debbie always kept a little of her Kentucky roots with her even after she moved to Crystal Lake in 1986. For many years, Debbie was a stay at home mom, dedicating her life to her kids. When she needed to enter the workforce later on, she started as a playground supervisor and worked her way to a medical receptionist, a medical practice manager, and eventually a director of primary care for an entire region of Northwestern Medicine, earning a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree along the way. She was a great example of how a strong woman with integrity, kindness, and an unwavering work ethic can overcome obstacles.

Debbie’s greatest joy was her family, and she was a mother who would do absolutely anything for her kids, Lori and Chad. When her granddaughter was born, she decided to retire from Northwestern to babysit her, and her “grandma days” with Ruby brought her so much joy. She loved her extended family and enjoyed hosting holidays and informal gatherings to bring everyone together. Debbie loved taking road trips, attending Ruby’s events, playing cards, having evening tea time, watching the hummingbirds out of her window, spending time with her dear friends, and doing projects around the house. Most of all, she loved being present with her family.

Debbie is survived by her children, Lori Ratliff of Crystal Lake and Chad (Emily) Ratliff of Palatine, her beloved granddaughter Ruby Ratliff, her sister Sheri (Allen) Chandler, her brother Gary Russ, her sister Lisa (Pat) Harenza, many nieces and nephews and their children, and her close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Shirley Russ, and her brother, Jaime Russ. Debbie’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Davenport Funeral Home in Crystal Lake with a memorial visitation from 3pm until the time of a service at 6 p.m. and a short service at 6 p.m. Interment will be privately held at Windridge Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to either KLove Radio or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, two organizations that Debbie loved to support.

Debbie’s family wishes to extend their deep appreciation for the many people who stepped up to help during her illness and to the team at St. Croix hospice for their extraordinary care.