Delbert Ratliff
Delbert was the middle son born to Karl and Dorothy Ratliff in Rio Tinto, Nevada, a now-ghost town that he outlasted by 73 years. He enjoyed his childhood on the family cattle ranch on California Creek, outside of Mountain City, Nevada, where he and his brothers learned a solid work ethic from their parents and managed to find themselves in frequent mischief around the ranch that often resulted in stern talking-tos from Karl, or the occasional willow switch from the small but fierce Dorothy.
Delbert excelled in football and academics (valedictorian) at Owyhee High School. He discovered his passion for riding bucking horses during high school and nearly won the Nevada State High School Championship where he scored more points on one horse than all others scored on two. Rather than safety up on the second one for the average win, he went all-out to win both go rounds and was bucked off early.
After high school and a brief stint at UNR in Reno, he worked on ranches throughout northern and central Nevada, becoming known as a tough cowboy who could ride the rough string. Delbert met Cecilia Bengoa on New Year’s Eve 1967, while working for the Home Ranch in Orovada, Nevada. They fell in love and were married in Winnemucca in June 1969.
Adventurous spirit brought about the move to central British Columbia, Canada, in 1971 where they ranched, logged, rodeoed, and created many lasting friendships over the next 11 years.
In 1982, the family moved to Moses Lake, Washington. He worked at various “cowboy” jobs, often putting in six to seven 12-hour days to provide for his family as he saw fit. He made certain that his children had it better than him. With this type of work, he was able to train both horses and dogs. He took great pride that he and his family competed and won on “homemade” horses. In 1988, he went to help out a friend, Bob Rickert, north of Moses Lake with feedlot work for a couple weeks. Twenty-seven years later he retired from the same location, then operated by Mickelsen Ranches.
He enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of rodeo throughout his life and continued to succeed in team roping into his 70s. He earned many regional wins throughout the western states and B.C. This included two national ACTRA titles in 1999. Delbert always cherished these successes, especially those earned with his wife and kids, extended family and young up-and-comers.
In his later years, he and Ceci began raising bucking bulls. This started as a hobby that developed into a passion and successful side business. Their bulls became their “kids” that they continued to follow once sold to rodeo contractors. King of Hearts was their favorite and most successful, earning many regional and national awards in the PBR and PRCA.
In 2019 Delbert and Ceci returned to live in Winnemucca, Nevada, where they spent time with family and old friends, and supported their grandchildren in all activities such as school sports and Basque dancing.
To the very end, Delbert enjoyed hearing and sharing stories of triumph, especially those against long odds.
Delbert was preceded in death by parents Karl and Dorothy Ratliff, brother Richard Ratliff, father-in-law Chris Bengoa Sr., sister-in-law LaRena Bengoa and nephew Cody Bengoa.
Delbert was survived by his wife of 52 years Ceci Ratliff; children Lisa Scott (Greg) and Will Ratliff (Amy); grandchildren Justin and Danielle Scott; brother Wayne Ratliff (Aulene); in-laws Mary Bengoa, Chris (Pepi) Bengoa and Cleto (Sandra) Bengoa; nephews/nieces Klint (Gayle) Ratliff, Sonny (Mary) Bengoa, Todd (Amber) Ratliff, Boyd (Mandi) Ratliff, Tiffany Bengoa, Katie Ratliff, Sandy (Jeremy) Lutz, Rusty (Carmen) Bengoa and Kelsey (Jessie) Bengoa and many great-nephews/nieces.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LaRena Smith Bengoa (larenasrace.org) or Rope for Hope (P.O. Box 328, Winnemucca, NV 89445) or ACTRA Crisis Fund (P.O. Box 190540, Boise, ID 83719).
The family would like to invite you to Delbert’s Celebration of Life events on Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. at the East Hall of the Winnemucca Convention Center, Winnemucca, Nevada, and on Nov. 13 at 12 p.m. at Pillar Rock Grill, Moses Lake, Washington. Delbert always enjoyed a good meal, cold beverage and a great story. Please bring your stories to share.