Vera Mae Harrison Rattie, beloved long-time resident of Aberdeen, Washington passed away peacefully in Lacey, Washington on July 13, 2024. She was 94. Born in Glendive, Montana, Vera (“Mom”) grew up during the challenging years of the Great Depression and World War II. At age seven she moved with her family to Washington, where she would graduate from Hoquiam High School in 1947. In 1954, she married long-time Aberdonian Robert “Bob” Rattie. Together they made their home in South Aberdeen where they raised their five children. She cherished and excelled in her roles as Mom and Gramma. She also devoted many years of her life to serving as a teacher’s assistant in the Aberdeen public school system, where her nurturing spirit and dedication touched the lives of countless students and colleagues.
Our family was blessed with someone who gave unconditional love, someone who was always there, someone who listened without judgment, and who genuinely cared. That someone was Mom. She had an indomitable strength and will to endure life’s greatest hardships, matched by an equally abiding empathy for others.
Mom loved classic country music. In the words of one of her favorite artists, George Jones, “She loved a lot in her time.”
Mom is survived by four children: Keith (Nancy), Max (Soheila Fathi), Bev Frank, and Sam; grandchildren Jason, Jennifer Rattie Bollinger (Adam), Coral Makenzi Brannan, Arash, and Ashkon; great-granddaughters Lauren Bollinger, Emily Bollinger and Kaitlyn Bollinger, close family friend and frequent caregiver Carrie Perry, and numerous nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Sylvia Harrison, husband of 47 years Bob, son Frank, brothers Donald, Merlin, Harold, Duane and Dean, and half-sister Ola.
Mom’s family would like to thank the staff at Woodlands Retirement Living Community in Lacey, and the team at Providence Hospice in Lacey for the kindness and care they provided during her final days.
Mom will be laid to rest at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, next to her husband Bob and son Frank. A private family service will be held to honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Vera’s name to the International Essential Tremor Foundation.
Mom, you did indeed “love a lot in your time.” You graced our lives and touched our hearts. You made us laugh, and now your passing makes us cry. Goodbye, Mom. Losing you leaves a hole in our lives that only our love for you can fill. We love you, and we miss you.
