SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 597
In Memory
of
Gay Ratliff
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 State of Texas, 88th
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.
Eckhardt
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 16, 2023, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate