Bobby D. Ratliff rescued Santiago Quiroz III and helped to rescue Paxton G. Cottrell and Gay L. Quiroz from burning, Llano, Texas, June 12, 1987. Santiago, 4; his mother, Mrs. Quiroz, 31, and his brother, Paxton, 12, were trapped in their family’s burning station wagon after a fatal highway accident. Having arrived at the scene in another vehicle, Ratliff, 44, monument maker, ran to the car, the interior of which was almost filled with flames, and reached through the front, passenger door. He pulled Santiago from the front seat and took him to safety. Returning to the car, Ratliff and another man pulled Paxton, who was partially aflame, through a rear window and took him away. Ratliff returned to the car again and, with the other man, removed Mrs. Quiroz from the front seat moments before flames engulfed the car. Santiago recovered from cuts and minor burns. Mrs. Quiroz and Paxton sustained extensive burns for which they were hospitalized.
62799-7260Obituary
Bobby D’Wayne Ratliff, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 15, 2025, in his hometown of Baby Head, Texas. Born on September 6, 1942, to Willie Bryan Holland Ratliff and Elbert B Ratliff, Bobby lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his friends, and his work.
Bobby was a graduate of Llano High School, class of 1961, and furthered his education by earning an Associate’s Business Degree from Nixon Clay Business College. On March 20, 1964, Bobby married Pat Merkel in Llano Texas. In 1970, he established Llano Memorial Works, a business that is still family owned and operated, and continues to thrive. In 1987, Bobby and his lifelong friend Kenneth Harlow were awarded The Carnegie Medal for their bravery in rescuing victims from a burning vehicle.
Bobby was an avid hunter and enjoyed golfing with his Wednesday group. His love for tending to the ranch was a testament to his deep connection with the land and his Texas roots. It was on this land that he taught his family the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of nurturing the earth.
Bobby was preceded in death by his mother Willie Bryan Holland Ratliff, father Elbert B Ratliff, brother Gerald Ratliff, father-in-law Fritz Merkel Jr., mother-in-law Harriet Ratliff Merkel and one great grandson Bryer Simpson.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pat, his four children Cynthia Ratliff Williams, Nancy Hermes (Dale), Kevin Ratliff (Kristy), Joel Ratliff (Betty),13 grandchildren, Cody (Autumn), Alyssa (Cassie), Ryan, Lexi (Bo), Garrett, Erin, Dalen, Patrick, Olivia, and Conner, and 8 great-grandchildren Morrigan, Silas, Chase, Chaylee, Braxton, Levi, Leighton, and one baby girl due in September.