Joanne Marie "Jo" Ratcliff

Joanne Marie “Jo” Ratcliff, 87, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Robert Ratcliff; her parents, Walter and Pauline Paulson; and her brother, Carroll Paulson.

Jo was a devoted mother to Lori Ratcliff, Steve (Cindy) Ratcliff, and Mike (Doreen) Ratcliff; an adoring grandmother (“Nana”) to Matthew and Kyle (Sandi) Anderson, Natalie (Lance) Serbousek, Katie and Alyssa Ratcliff, and Jack, Kaitlin, and Colin Ratcliff; and a cherished greatgrandmother to Haley and Brooke Anderson, Greyson and Emersyn Serbousek, and Alexandra, Mari and Caden Anderson.

Born in Ogden, Iowa, Jo attended Ogden High School and later Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she earned an associate degree in teaching. It was at Luther College that she met Bob, the love of her life, whom she married on August 16, 1958.

Jo was a woman of immense faith and a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake for more than 55 years. Her faith guided her life, her relationships, and her service to others.

Jo and Bob’s life together was deeply rooted in their cherished friendships and community ties in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and Crystal Lake, Illinois. In her earlier years in Crystal Lake, Jo worked as a substitute teacher in District 47. She later built a long and successful career in real estate with DurbinStovall Realty and Prudential.

Committed to education and civic service, Jo was heavily involved in supporting Crystal Lake schools, including serving as President of the District 155 Citizens Advisory Board. She was also an avid and enthusiastic bridge player who valued both the challenge of the game and the friendships it fostered.

Above all, Jo will be remembered as an incredibly loving mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and a dear friend to many. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends touched countless lives and will continue to be felt for generations.

A gathering to celebrate Jo’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 at The Pointe – Christian Outreach Center 5650 NW Highway (US 14) Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Jo’s name may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church at www.immanuelcl.org/take-action.