TITLE: In memory of Martha Gay Kokernot Ratliff of Austin.

SUMMARY: In memory of Martha Gay Kokernot Ratliff of Austin.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of Martha Gay Kokernot Ratliff of Austin on April 21, 2023, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS, The daughter of Rosemary Kibbe Breeden Kokernot and Frederick David Kokernot Jr., the former Gay Kokernot was born on November 2, 1942; during her early childhood, she lived on her family's ranch in Gonzales County, and she later grew up in Cuero, Victoria, and Austin; she attended The University of Texas at Austin, where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Ratliff founded an interior design company, and over the years, her work was featured in numerous national publications; a dedicated champion for the arts and for historic preservation, she played an instrumental role in restoring the Paramount Theatre and establishing the Austin Lyric Opera; she was also a member of the Texas Historical Commission, and she was involved in the Texas Main Street Program; in addition, she gave generously of her time and talents to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Austin, and Friends of the Governor's Mansion; and WHEREAS, In all her endeavors, Mrs. Ratliff enjoyed the love and support of her husband, Shannon Harrison Ratliff, with whom she shared nearly six decades, and she took great pride in their children, Shannon, Rosemary, and Claire, and their grandchildren, Caroline and Shannon; she loved spending time with friends and family, caring for her pets, and tending to her garden; and WHEREAS, Gay Ratliff lived a life that was rich in personal and professional achievements, and she will forever be a source of inspiration to those she leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Martha Gay Kokernot Ratliff and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of her family: to her husband, Shannon Harrison Ratliff; to her children, Shannon Harrison Ratliff II and his wife, R mi, Rosemary Kokernot Ratliff Harris and her husband, August, and Claire Elizabeth Kokernot Ratliff; to her grandchildren, Caroline Abbott Ratliff and Shannon Harrison Ratliff III; to her sister, Joy Kokernot; and to her other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gay Ratliff. Howard Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2277 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 29, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House