Linda Benton Ratterree, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026.
Born on May 19, 1940, in Monroe, NC to the late Walter Glenn Benton and Francis Austin Benton, Linda was raised in Rock Hill, SC. She married the love of her life, Coleman Ratterree, whom she first met in kindergarten, and together they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. They made their home in Florence, SC for 43 years, where they raised their family and were active members of several local churches. In recent years, Linda and Coleman resided in Blowing Rock, NC.
Linda’s life was forever changed in 1970 when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior during a lay renewal at First Presbyterian Church in Florence. From that day forward, her faith became the foundation of her life. She devoted herself to serving her precious Savior with humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment, touching the lives of many through her love, encouragement, and faithful witness.
Linda was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by a sister, Sue Manning of Greenville, SC, and is survived by her beloved husband, Coleman Ratterree; her son, Wes Ratterree (Lora) of Mount Pleasant, SC; her daughter, Ginger Diegel (Ronnie) of Columbia, SC; five grandchildren, Madison, Leah, Andrew, Lanie, and Ava Coleman; four great-grandchildren, Caroline, Sadie, Rhett, and Josephine; and her other sister Ann Oates of Rock Hill.
A graveside service celebrating Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Friedheim plot at Laurelwood Cemetery in Rock Hill, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, a ministry that reflected Linda’s heart for sharing Christ’s love with others.
Though Linda will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the assurance that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, whom she faithfully loved and served throughout her life.