Peggy Jo (Ratliff) Childers

Peggy Jo Ratliff Childers, age 93, of Whitesburg, KY passed from this life peacefully at home
and entered her eternal home on March 5, 2026 at 5:15 a.m.
Born to Irene and Ersel Ratliff of Elkhorn City, KY on February 19, 1933, she was preceded in
death by her husband of 71 years William Donald Childers and her son William Douglas
Childers; two brothers, Gary (Janet) Ratliff of Frankfort, KY and Gerald (Fayetta) Ratliff of
Jenkins, KY. She is survived by one brother, Ted Ratliff of Thornton, KY; her daughters, Donna
Jo Childers of Nicholasville, KY and Missy (Junior) Matthews of Whitesburg, KY; four
grandchildren, Eli Matthews, Isaac Matthews, Carlie (Dustin) Childers Cornett and Jordan
Childers; and great grandchildren.
Graduating from Elkhorn City High School as drum majorette and cheerleader, she met the
"love of her life" as a basketball player at a rival school Hellier (Hellcats) High School.
Peggy and Don married in June of 1953 and spent their first year of marriage living in
Shawneetown student housing while Don finished his senior year at the University of Kentucky.
After graduation, the two returned to a house next door to her mother-in-law and father-in-law
Ruby and Johnie Bear and began attending the Marrowbone Missionary Baptist Church. It is
there Peggy, while eight months pregnant, and Don were both saved and baptized. The pastor
thoughtfully had the baptismal heated that morning for Peggy's comfort and care.
For the next two years and while Don served in the Army, Peggy kept the home fires burning
with their first born in tow.
Don returned home and secured a job with Gulf Oil Corp. This job would find them moving every 
three or four years with promotions. Peggy would dutifully make each new house a home then pack it up and move again from Whitesburg to Corbin, KY and on to Knoxville, TN before
returning to Whitesburg in the late 60's to start a family business.
Now with two children, life was joyful and busy as Peggy enthusiastically and tirelessly supported Don in their partnership. Life
became even more joyful with the arrival of a third baby. The family welcomed Missy with open
arms and so much happiness.
Peggy joined Don's efforts immediately in the details and demands of running the family
business from design of the stores to establishing the food service presence in every community
working tirelessly. As with the opening of the first family restaurant, The Sugar Shack, she could be found working side by side with her employees or even the construction crews at all hours. Staff often commented what a hard worker she was and how challenging it was to keep up with her.
In later years, Peggy would spontaneously appear in one of the locations before a grand
opening or an event. She would grab an apron and blend in seamlessly with the staff in the
kitchen during hectic food preparations. She loved helping and our staff loved her being there.
Don often said he could not have known any success without her constant love and support. He could not recall a single night coming home from work regardless of the day she had experienced without a hot meal on the table. Not many husbands can boast that fact.
She took delight in her daily routines making home and family the center of attention. As an
incredible cook, gardener and talented seamstress, her days were full. She could be found sewing costumes for school or church plays, prom dresses, her own clothes and countless projects for friends and neighbors. Her quilts and needle point were treasures given to
newlyweds and new mothers. Peggy was happiest when creating beautiful things in her sewing room or beautiful gardens in her love of flowers and everything outdoors.
Never one to sit on her laurels, Peggy loved volunteering in every aspect of the First Baptist
Church from Wednesday night church suppers, wedding receptions, funeral family meals,
decorating the church with the change of seasons and constant hostess for their church family in their home.
Fresh vegetables from her bountiful and meticulously planned garden were always shared
throughout the season with friends and family. Her pickles, kraut, green beans, corn, or pickled beets were highly sought after year after year. Empty jars were often returned to her in hopes of refills.
Peggy is a beautiful example of Proverbs 31:10-31.
"Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:30-31
Her final years were made sweeter and more comfortable at home with the wonderful
caregivers we were so blessed with. We will always be eternally grateful.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2025 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Whitesburg, with services to follow at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the fueling the future foundation, P.O. Box 430, Whitesburg, KY 41858.