88R29595 TBO-D
By: Eckhardt S.R. No. 597
R E S O L U T I O N
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 Senate 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, Rémi, 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 Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of Gay Ratliff.