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.