Judy Hartman Ratcliffe of Tryon Estates, Columbus, North Carolina passed away on January 21, 2026 at the age of 78.

Judy was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia and was the daughter of Elmer Hartman and Shirley Marie Judy Hartman. She grew up in Franklin, WV and attended the public schools of Pendleton County, WV where she graduated in the class of 1965. Judy graduated with honors from Fairmont State University in 1969, and completed her Master’s degree at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC in 1973.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Richard Ratcliffe III, MD; two sisters, Nancy Hartman Cannon and Patsy Hartman Sheehan and two brothers, Eugene Hartman and Delano Wayne Hartman.

Judy was the mother to one son, John Hartman Cook, and was step-mother to Andrew Morgan Ratcliffe, Cynthia Armour Ratcliffe, and Robert Richard Ratcliffe IV (deceased). She is also survived by her younger sister, JoAnn Hartman Harrington, and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she adored.

Judy spent her working life in the public schools of North Carolina as the director of Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities for Roanoke Rapids, NC and for Henderson County Public Schools from which she retired in 2005. She received a number of awards and recognitions for her advocacy for disabled children. Judy was most proud of the award she received from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill as being the outstanding administrator in NC in developing and implementing educational programs for children with autism.

Judy loved animals, especially horses, dogs, and cats and frequently added homeless pets to her unique menagerie of adopted pets. She was an avid reader and enjoyed music of all genres. Judy returned to Pendleton County as often as possible and maintained contact with close friends and family.