Linda Elise Ratliff, known by all as "Elise", 83, of Temple passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on September 14, 2026. She was born on April 3, 1943 to James and Lucille Pylate in Jackson Mississippi. She married Donald "Don" Clifford Ratliff on November 25th, 1972 in San Antonio. She lived a life defined by her quiet devotion, hard work, and deep love for her family.

In her early years, she held an executive secretarial position at Baroid Petroleum in Port Lavaca, but her true life’s calling was found in the home. As a dedicated homemaker and deeply devoted caregiver, she poured her heart into nurturing her family and creating a warm, welcoming environment for everyone she loved. She had a profound appreciation for the beauty of nature and the outdoors. She was an avid gardener with a legendary love for yard care, often found happily tending to her plants and mowing her lawn. Her compassion extended to all living things, and her home and heart were always open to the animals she loved so dearly. She could often be found fishing on the nearest riverbank with her beloved Don and children. But her most profound love in life was the quality time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Randall "Randy" Fontenot and wife Diane of Copperas Cove, Donna Grisham of Temple, Donald "Donnie" Ratliff Jr. and husband Brian of Holland, her biological grandchildren: Randy "Scooter" Fontenot and wife Elena, Grant Fontenot and wife Katelyn, Carla Stephens and husband Brandon, Christi Weder and husband Tyler, Dustin Grisham and wife Megan, 3 bonus grandchildren, 8 biological great-grandchildren, 9 bonus great grandchildren, siblings: Florian Pylate and wife Roberta, Kenneth Pylate and wife Barbara, and Cecilia Mansfield. She is also survived by her faithful canine companion, Rowdy, who will miss his daily cuddles from his Momma. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Ratliff, her parents James Pylate and Lucille Laughlin, and six siblings.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda’s memory to Wings Over Texas Hospice Care by calling hospice bereavement chaplain, Randy Peterson, at 817-774-9154