Joyce (Ratcliff) Imes

Joyce Ratcliff Imes, 78, of New Boston, Ohio went home to be with her savior on April 7, 2017. She died peacefully at SOMC, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born July 23, 1938 in Portsmouth Ohio and attended Portsmouth City Schools. She spent many years as a devoted caretaker to her late mother, Grace Skaggs. She worked for many years at the Fashion Bug in New Boston and then worked at Jade East restaurant until she retired. Joyce loved animals, cooking for her friends and family, and was a renowned amateur food critic.

Joyce married Walter Imes in 1982. He preceded her in death along with sister, Alma Constantino, brother Bill Ratcliff, sister-in-law Virginia Ratcliff, and nephews Gary and Larry Ratcliff.

She is survived by her nephews Dan (Debbie) Ratcliff, David (Retha) Ratcliff, Bill (Patti) Ratcliff, and Ralph Imes, Jr. along with her nieces Debra (Butch) Keene, Pamela Ratcliff, Carolyn Ratcliff, Carolyn Jenkins Ratcliff, Cynthia (Tim) Mackley, Jennifer Imes, and Holly Imes, numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, plus a host of other “adopted” nieces and nephews who were glad to call her “Auntie Joyce,” brother and sister-in-law Roy and Pat Imes, and sister-in-law Margaret Imes.

Her special neighbors Rob, Barbie, and Mia Wright were a loving support to her.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at D.W. SWICK-NELSON FUNERAL HOME in New Boston with her nephew Dave Ratcliff officiating Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery Friends may call from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the funeral home Online condolences may be left at www.DWSwickNelsonFuneralHome.com.

If you’d like to remember her, consider a donation to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Campaign or to the organization of your choice that helps care for animals. Or just turn on The Ten Commandments when it airs next Saturday at 7 p.m. and raise a glass of sparkling grape juice.