A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value (Proverbs 31:10-11) On Friday, April 13, 2018, Mrs. Lee Ethel Ratliff Matlock joined the ancestral cloud of witnesses. Mrs. Lee Ethel Matlock (Ratliff) was born on May the 20th 1933 in Crawfordsville, Arkansas to Mr. and Mrs. Henderson (Emma Farrish) Ratliff. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, two brothers Jesse and James, four sisters Mary Butler, Eliza Calvin, Lillie Mae Porter, Sarah Knight; a (daughter) Geraldine Matlock, and two grandchildren Danielle Shareef, and Brian Fleming.

As a young girl Mrs. Matlock attended school in Crawfordsville, Arkansas. At the age nine she assumed the responsibility of cooking the meals for the entire family.

Mrs. Matlock enrolled in and completed the Aline Jefferson Cosmetology course. She never worked in or operated a salon. In the mid 60's she applied to and was accepted into a Hallmark Cards Graphic Artist apprenticeship cohort.

As a result of the apprenticeship, Hallmark Cards employed her as a graphic designer. Her first accomplishment of note came as she led a design team. Her team's first design project became a cherry wood writing instrument set in 1968. She thought nothing of it, for us it was a big deal. Our mother designed something for Hallmark Cards. She later went on to supervise in the design department before retiring in 1977.

Mrs. Matlock joined Starlight Missionary Baptist Church where she sang in the choir for a number of years. In the early 70's she changed her church home, becoming a member of the St. Stephen Baptist Church Inspirational famed choir. They were invited to Stockholm, Sweden; she also sang in Europe during the early 70's.

Her crowning achievement was her family life. She adored her husband, Dr. Jake D. Matlock, whom she married after moving to Kansas City, Missouri in 1954. She cherished her children, Geraldine, Samuel, Delbra, Delois, Ray, and Marcia. Spending time with them was her joy.

So what is the measure of Woman? She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at days to come. She speaks wisdom. Her children arise and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all! For this we give thanks for a life well lived.

Mother Matlock leaves behind: her husband Dr. Jake D. Matlock of Kansas City, MO; children, Samuel (Gloria) Shareef, Atlanta, GA, Delbra Matlock-Washington, Atlanta, GA, Delois (Wallace) Ford, Alexandria, VA, Ray A. Matlock, Dumfries, VA, and Marcia C. Matlock, Kansas City, MO; three sisters of the city, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, scores of nephews and nieces, and as many friends as 84 years of a well-lived life could accommodate.

Funeral services Friday, April 20, 11:00 a.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.