Jonean Ratliff

Jonean Ratliff, 85 of Moberly, Missouri passed away at her home on August 23, 2026. She was born in Kirksville, Missouri on September 6, 1940. Jonean graduated from Kirksville High School and received both her BS in Music Ed and MA in Vocal Music from Northeast Missouri State University (Truman University).

Jonean began her teaching career in 1962 at Vandalia Junior High in Illinois, teaching both General and Vocal Music. She began teaching Vocal Music at Moberly High School from 1965-1995, where she established a Vocal Music program and developed and directed 27 Musical Theater productions. Some of those shows included, Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver, Oklahoma, The King and I, Carousel, Camelot, Wizard of Oz, and Guys and Dolls to name a few. In 1965 Jonean also taught at Moberly Junior College.

Jonean worked with Large Ensembles, Small Ensembles as well as Soloists, with many receiving the highly sought after “1” rating at State Musical Festival and Girls Glee for 29 and 30 years respectively.

Jonean belonged to a number of professional organizations in which she often held leadership roles and offices. Some of those organizations include; American Choral Director’s Association, Missouri Music Educator’s Association, Moberly Community Teacher’s Association.

Jonean retired from MHS after 30 years in education, but remained active as an adjunct Vocal Music Instructor for MACC, and was a member of the Moberly Board of Education. Jonean was Choir Director at Trinity United Methodist Church from 1967-2015 and Musician for Central Christian Church.

Some awards Jonean received include; Outstanding Citizenship Award from Moberly Area Chamber of Commerce, Moberly Music Club Outstanding Teacher Award, Luther T. Spayde Choral Director of the Year, 2020 Moberly Public Schools Hall of Fame Outstanding Educator. In 2025 Jonean was inducted into the Missouri Music Educators Hall of Fame!

Jonean traveled abroad to Mexico, France, Holland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and loved to share stories about her travels. She loved to read, sing, and surround herself with music, friends and family.

Jonean is survived by her brothers Don Ratliff, John and sister-in-law Audrey Ratliff, nephews Mark (Ann), Paul (Connie), Nick (Trisha), along with grand nephews and nieces Tom, Allison, Aiden, Bobbie, and Lilliana.

Jonean was preceded in death by her parents, John Thomas Ratliff and Illean Esther Harris Ratliff, Stepmother Doris Wright Ratliff, Stepsister Karen Kay Ratliff, Sisters-in-law Clara Ratliff (Don), Elaine Bobbie Ratliff (John).

Jonean touched countless lives and made all of us better for knowing her, including her beloved students and their families, co-workers, good friends and her family.

A celebration of life has been scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Moberly High School Performing Arts Auditorium located at 1625 Gratz Brown Street, Moberly, MO, 65270.

Jonean's family has planned a Memorial Gathering in her honor on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., at Pathway Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Ave., Moberly, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to honor Jonean's gift of music to her students and community though scholarships for future students planning to major in music. Tax deductible donations may be made to: Moberly Public School Foundation (Jonean Ratliff Music Scholarship), P.O. Box 104, Moberly, MO 65270.

 Other charitable organizations designated: Alzheimer's Association & American Cancer Society.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, MO 65270 (660)263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.