Emelie Murphy Ratcliff

emelie ratcliff

February 15, 1944 ~ September 18, 2026

Born in: Black Mountain, NC
Resided in: Candler, NC

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Emelie Murphy Ratcliff, 82, passed away at CarePartners Solace Center on Friday, September 18, 2026. She was born in Black Mountain to the late Cecil and Mallie Murphy in 1944. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Cecil Murphy, Jr., Cecillia Murphy, and Tommy Murphy.

A native to Buncombe County, Emelie worked in patient accounts in the medical field for many years before her retirement. She was loyal and fiercely supportive of her family, and her favorite title was Mamaw. Emelie spent her time caring for her house and garden. She was a champion of southern cooking, with delicious chicken and dumplings, and biscuits and gravy. She attended Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Fairview for many years. Her and her loving husband, Ronald Ratcliff, spent 61 years together, and would have celebrated 62 years of marriage this October.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Ratcliff; children, Russell Ratcliff and Belinda Jensen; grandchildren, Amanda McDougall (Joseph), Amber Jensen, Haynes Ratcliff, Eli Ratcliff, and Blake Ratcliff; siblings Annette Heath (John), and James Murphy; several nieces and a nephew; and several beloved sisters-in-law.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1454, Fairview, NC 28730 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Services

Celebration of Life: September 24, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Room: A

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 252-3535
http://grocefuneralhome.com

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2026-09-24 17:00:00 2026-09-24 07:00:00 EmelieMurphyRatcliffCelebration of Life Celebration of Life 1401 Patton Ave.,Asheville, NC 28806

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Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 252-3535
http://grocefuneralhome.com

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Emelie Murphy Ratcliff 's name.

St. Jude Children's Hospital

www.stjude.org

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  1. Worked with Emelie at Mission. She was a dear friend and co worker. Always had a sweet smile. She loved and talked about her family all the time. Praying for the family.

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  5. I worked with Emelie at mission hospital for years. She was such a sweet lady. Prayers for Ronnie and family.

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  7. Worked with Emelie at MMH many years ago , sweet lady who loved her family so much ! May the Lord give comfort to the family ❤️

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  8. I worked with Emily at Carolina Hand Surgery and she always brightened the room with her beautiful smile. She was a sweet friend and hard worker and Im so sorry to hear about her passing. Sending prayers and love to her family 🙏 ❤️

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  12. I am so very sorry to hear of Emelie’s passing. We worked together for several years at Mountain Kidney Associates and I missed her when she retired. My condolences to all the family. She adored all of you and loved passing along stories of the grandchildren.

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  13. Rest in peace Mrs Ratcliff. I have very fond memories of you, when I spent time over at Belinda’s house. Sending prayers to the family. ✝️

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  15. Ron, Russell, Belinda and family. I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Emelie. She was a beautiful and caring, sweet lady. She always sent me such sweet messages every year for my Birthday, even for my Birthday this past week. She was so proud of her family and everyone knew how much she loved her family. I am so sorry for this great loss. I will be praying for your family. I know you will miss her dearly. I do know also that Jesus can give you strength and she would want you to depend on Jesus and walk with Him until your Family Circle will be made complete one day. She will be waiting for you. Keep her alive with all the special memories you have. Thinking of you and praying for each of you. May God wrap His loving arms around you with strength during this difficult time. Teressa Warren

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  16. Ronald, Russell, Blendia and family. Sanford and I are so sorry about your loss. Emily was a very special person. I know you miss her dearly. Just remember all those special times you’ll had. Thinking of you and praying for each of you.

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