For five years, Gary Ratliff has been a familiar and comforting presence in our Health Care Center and known for his kindness, his gentle humor, and the genuine care he shows to every resident and staff member he encounters. His volunteer journey, however, began long before his first shift. It began with his beloved late wife, Margaret.
Margaret lived in the Health Care Center for nine years, during which time Gary witnessed firsthand the compassion, patience, and dedication of the staff. He often shares that what impressed him most was that our team wasn’t just “doing their jobs” and they went above and beyond, becoming like family to both him and Margaret. After she passed, Gary found himself searching for purpose and connection during his grief journey. With the blessing of Melissa Harrison, he decided to give back to the place that had given so much to them.
Gary began simply, by answering phones in the HCC to give nurses a little break during their busy days. Though the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily put his volunteering on hold, he returned as soon as he was able, gradually expanding his role over time. Before long, Gary could be found helping move wheelchairs and walkers in and out of the dining room, clearing dishes from tables and carts, getting residents their drinks, and lending a hand wherever it was needed.
But what mattered most wasn’t the tasks themselves, it was the way Gary connected with people. He took the time to talk with residents, learn their stories, share a laugh, and offer simple moments of encouragement. For Gary, his purpose was always clear: to show kindness. Early in his service, someone sent him a quote that resonated deeply with him:
He posted that quote in the Health Care Center, and five years later, it still hangs there reminding all who pass by of the quiet power of compassion.
Gary also became known for another special contribution: music. Using his own computer and Bluetooth speaker, he would play songs in the lobby before meals, often taking requests from residents. This simple act brought joy, sparked memories, and created a warm, inviting atmosphere each day.
Along the way, Gary formed meaningful relationships and he especially enjoyed working alongside many of the younger staff who were students, describing them as “delightful,” and fondly mentioning the Quinn kids. He admired the dedication he saw from the team every day, noting how attentively they catered to residents’ needs.
Gary has countless stories from his time in the HCC, but one favorite involves a resident also navigating grief. Whenever Gary would ask the resident if they were doing okay, the resident would reply “NO.” One day the resident joked that what they really wanted was a new Maserati. That became a running joke and later that Christmas, Gary gifted them a toy Maserati, bringing a smile and a moment of levity.
Gary’s initiative also made practical improvements. Noticing that staff cleared dishes one table at a time, he secured a cart to make the process easier and more efficient. Small changes, yes, but ones that made a real difference.
Looking back, Gary shares that volunteering helped him through the grief of losing Margaret and gave him a way to keep her spirit close. “She will always be a part of my life in some way,” he reflects. It also gave him something equally important: a way to stay busy while helping others.
Gary encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try, even once or twice a month. As he often says, the small interactions can make a big difference. And through his own kindness, he has shown us just how true that is.
As Gary steps down from his volunteer role at age 79, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his years of steady, thoughtful service. His presence has made a lasting impact on the residents, staff, and families in the HCC. We are grateful for all he has given and wish him the very best as he begins this next chapter.