Mildred Dean Mckinney Ratchford

Mildred Dean McKinney Ratchford passed peacefully and quietly, surrounded by family on May 2, 2019. Her life will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Central Church located at 4949 HWY 7 West, Sulphur, OK. Brother Thomas J. Thompson and Pastor Willard McCartney, Jr. will officiate the service. Interment will follow at the Mill Creek Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Friday evening 4pm - 7pm, May 10, 2019 at Hales Funeral Home, 202 S. 4th St. Davis, OK
Mildred, the 2nd daughter of Turner Joseph & Nadine Gaines McKinney, was born May 21, 1932 in an old house on their family farm 5 miles north of Mill Creek, Okla. Her older sister by 6 years, Wynona C. McKinney Townsend was completely thrilled because life as she knew would never be the same.
She attended all 12 years at Mill Creek schools and was Valedictorian of her graduating class. Not only was she very smart but she was also active in various school functions, with two of her favorites being glee club & home economics. It was in home economics that she found a love of sewing, fashion and her very own classy style. Given a bit of fabric and little time, Mildred and her friend Billy Jean Frazier, would have a party dress ready to wear that very same night adding only a purse and a pair of shoes.
She attended East Central University in Ada, Ok. and during her college days she married Bob Goodson. They traveled all through Texas and Oklahoma owning/managing various businesses, ie... car lots, finance companies, limousine service, movie theatre, flower shop, real estate and she stayed active in civic affairs working with the chambers of commerce, Jaycees, auxiliaries, etc....etc... Mildred and Bob had 1 son, Gerald Wayne Goodson. Wayne was a good man and left this world too early, at the age of 37.
After 30 years, an unexpected life path change brought Mildred to Davis, OK, a place she loved, a place that God brought her, for the best was yet to come. She went to work at the 1st National Bank of Davis and she thoroughly enjoyed her work. She enjoyed the people she worked with and for, but more than anything she loved her independence.
When Mildred made a friend, that friend was for a lifetime. She always cherished each and every family member. She loved to have a good time which consisted of a good meal, a good glass of sweet tea, good conversation with good family and/or friends. She was really enjoying her life as it was and was very content and was at peace with being alone or so she thought.
It was during this contented sunset time of her life that she met "the true love of her life" Homer Lee Ratchford.
He was 75yrs young when they married. They had the time of their lives. They traveled and enjoyed each other with a once in a lifetime love. I remember asking him what made him want to marry her - he replied, "Everything, I thought if I could just have 5 good years with her - my life would be complete." He was 90 at the time he grinned really big and continued "so far she has given me 15 years and is still keeping me here".
During this time with Homer, she was still working at the bank but finally retired at the age of 80. Retirement was not to last long, for being an elder of the Chickasaw Tribe, she joined the Commerce of Chickasaw Indian Affairs. This was most assuredly her dream job. This job was a piece of heaven on earth for her.
As the years continued and the passing of Homer, her health was no longer what it was and her yearning to be with her family, (her sister & her sister's children which Mildred always considered her kids too) became very strong, so she moved to Tulsa so she could spend her remaining time with them.
Her mom always said: You are smart, You are pretty, You are just as good as anyone and better off than some. She always lived by this and did her best to make life better in this world.
There are so many more stories to tell. Her life was full from the moment she was born and stayed full until the day she passed. She handled everything with prayer, a BIG heart, a lot of style and grace. She never talked bad about anyone. She had a quick wit, a straight-on sense of humor and was always ready to make you feel at home.
She had so many family and friends that she dearly loved and was loved by them. She will be missed immensely. WE MISS HER ALREADY.
Today, Mildred Dean McKinney Ratchford is in the presence of Jesus and the love of her life (Homer). She is catching up with all of those that have gone before her.
Mildred is survived by her sister, Wynona C. Townsend and the children they shared, Glenn R Townsend & wife Melita, Pam Frey & husband Montie, Pat Pittman & husband Ed, Reigh Lynne Rochester & husband William and numerous great nephews, nieces, & great-great nephews and great-great nieces; as well as Homer’s children, Carl Ratchford & wife Debbie, Steve Ratchford & wife Linda, Jan Smith and Joyce Fine & husband Terry; several grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Serving as pallbearers will be Glenn Townsend, Montie Frey, Willie Rochester, Steve Ratchford, Carl Ratchford, Shawn Ratchford, Casey Ratchford and Justin Smith. Honorary bearers are Jerry Paul Pullen, Betty Ruth Shaw, James Boren, Ed Pittman, Cindy Shaw Delford Fox and Dub Moore.