ILION - Kenneth “Ken” E. Ratcliffe, age 61, of 38 E. North St., Ilion, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 21, 2009. He was born on Dec. 11, 1947, in Hartford, Conn., the son of Edwin and Jean (Petersen) Ratcliffe and graduated from Newington, Conn. High School in 1966. Ken was married to Karen Hunter on April 6, 1978, in Richfield Springs, N.Y. He was a car salesman for Steet Ponte Chevrolet of Herkimer. He was a member and currently held the office of Inner Guard at the Ilion Elks Lodge No. 1444. Survivors include his wife, Karen; his children, K. Scott Ratcliffe and his wife Nancy of Ilion, Robert and Christopher Ratcliffe of Castile, N.Y.; his grandchildren, Alyson, Madison and Aubrey; his sister, Mary Monahan of Mohawk; his brothers, Peter, David, Tim and Ed Ratcliffe of Bridgewater, N.Y.; his sisters-in-law, Kim Francesco of Little Falls, Robin Hunter of Herkimer, Brenda Kneedham of Rome and Bridget Pratt of Ilion; many nieces, nephews, cousins and two aunts. He was predeceased by his brother, Steven and his parents. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a celebration of Ken’s life on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Ilion Elks Lodge, 8 West St., Ilion. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, contributions may be made to the Kenneth E. Ratcliffe Memorial Fund, c/o Karen Ratcliffe, 38 E. North St., Ilion, N.Y. 13357. The Ratcliffe family has entrusted all arrangements to Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, Don Applegate, funeral director.