Benjamin F. Ratledge

Benjamin "Benny" F. Ratledge of Dover passed away peacefully Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the age of 78.  He was the son of the late Walter and Grace Ratledge.

Ben was a very hard worker and held many jobs. When he was a young boy he waited on women at the Harrington shirt factory.  He was an usher at the Reese Theater in Harrington and later an usher at the Capital Theater.  He worked for the State of Delaware for 31 ½ years, Delaware One for 21 years, and Wilmington Trust for 14 ½ years.  Ben also worked at Wesley Junior College and Halls restaurant in Camden, which he loved.

Ben loved the Cape May Lewes Ferry and had the privilege of being on the maiden voyage of the ferry on June 30, 1964.  He loved eating at Bob Evans, working outside, and traveling by train. An immaculate housekeeper, Ben was a humble man and treasured all of his friendships.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers; Richard and Joe, and his very good friend John Messick.

Ben is survived by his son, Todd Ratledge (Donna); daughter, Robin Ratledge; brother, Albert Ratledge (Shirley); sister, Marie Davis (Jack); grandchildren, Zane Lovett-Ratledge (Melissa), Nicole and Mary Ratledge; great grandson, Colton Lovett-Ratledge; as well as dear friends  Hannah, Avery and Massey Draper.

A big supporter of Camp Barnes, Ben has requested,  in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Camp Barnes at: Delaware State Police c/o Camp Barnes, PO Box 430, Dover, DE 19903.

Services will be Sunday, April 2, 2017, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE at 3pm.  A visitation for family and friends will take place one hour prior. Interment will be Monday, April 3, 2017 at 10 am at the Hollywood Cemetery.

 Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, DE.  Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to send flowers or sign condolence book.

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