Elsie J. (Gotto) Ratcliffe

Elsie J. Ratcliffe, age 90, of Finleyville, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Greenery Care Center in Canonsburg. Born March 14, 1936, in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late James and Martha (Lewis) Gotto and the beloved wife of the late Edward J. Ratcliffe Jr. Elsie will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend whose warmth touched generations. She was an active member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Clairton Congregation, where she was cherished for her faith, friendships and a loving spirit she shared with her congregation family throughout the years. Affectionately known as “Nunna” or “Aunt Elsie,” she enjoyed baking for those she cared about, loved holding and caring for babies, and found joy in music, dancing, and shopping with her sisters. She is survived by her children, Mary Scapellato of Monongahela, Tammie (Al) Lippert of Finleyville, Deborah (Dave) Balderrama of Joshua Tree, CA, Karen (Alan) Stevens of San Diego, CA, Edward (Susan) Ratcliffe of New Eagle, and Brad (Daphne) Ratcliffe of Golden Valley, AZ; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; sisters, Virginia Kock of Orange County, CA, Linda Andiorio of Powhattan, VA and Cathy Baynham of Finleyville; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by seven sisters and two brothers. No visitation is planned. A Zoom funeral service will be Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 5 PM with Joel Benedik officiating. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Elsie J. (Gotto) Ratcliffe, please visit our Tree Store.