Mary Ratliff

On March 30, 2023, Mary "Shirleen" Ratliff passed away peacefully surrounded lovingly by family, in her Denver home at the age of 94. Shirleen is survived by her daughter Shirley McBroom; stepdaughter Debbie Lynn (Brad) Hunt; granddaughters Traci Butzen, Toni Lynn Pascal; grandson-in-law Bob Butzen and great granddaughter Tristan Butzen.  Her son, John “JR” (Linda) Ratliff, survived his mother only to pass away hours after her.  Shirleen is also survived by her sister Jackie Trujillo; nieces Merelyn Sue Becker and Denise Singer; nephew Keith Salyards; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.  Preceding her in death is her husband of 62 years, Alvin “Bud” Ratliff; her parents, William and Frieda Salyards; her brother William Salyards and her sister Marjorie Commons.

Born October 27, 1928, in Denver, Colorado, her roots were planted in Littleton with the family home situated along the South Platte River.  Shirleen spoke often of the many floods that destroyed her family’s property living on the banks of the Platte.   She didn’t venture far from home, living and working only miles from where she grew up.  In the 1940’s she proudly worked for Heckethorn Manufacturing, building war hardware for the Navy.  Shirleen and Bud eventually built a real estate business which included a nightclub (Club 70), a restaurant (The Little Hobo), two strip malls, a warehouse, two apartment buildings which they named after their granddaughters, along with numerous residential and commercial properties.  At the time of her death, she continued to manage 20 rental properties.  Shirleen wasn’t just a landlord, but a true friend to each of her tenants.  In her 60’s, Shirleen returned to Club 70 as a bartender.  She enjoyed serving drinks to the local patrons while listening to her favorite country western music artists.

Next to celebrating the lives of her family, Shirleen’s greatest love was for Yorkies, dancing to country music and her undeniable kindness to everyone around her.

Shirleen was interned with her husband Bud at Fort Logan Cemetery, Denver, CO.

A Celebration of Life, celebrating the lives of Shirleen and her son John, will be held at a later date.

In remembrance of Shirleen, you can honor her by paying forward a random act of kindness.