[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF SHARON RATLIFF-GROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2024

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life 
of an outstanding civil servant, Sharon Ratliff-Gross, who passed on 
April 2, 2024. She dedicated 37 years of her life to federal service 
and specialized in workforce planning, recruitment, and diversity at 
the U.S. Department of Labor. Before Mrs. Ratliff-Gross retired in 
2010, she received several Secretary's Exceptional Achievement awards 
to recognize her work at the Department of Labor.
  But family was the greatest joy for Mrs. Ratliff-Gross. Family 
members referred to her as ``Ma 2,'' and it became the cherished name 
by which she was known. When her grandson was born, the nickname was 
shortened to ``TuTu.'' Mrs. Ratliff-Gross loved to travel on cruises, 
play cards, attend church plays, and watch her favorite shows on 
television. One of her greatest joys was time spent with her husband. 
Mrs. Ratliff-Gross loved to join her husband on trips to the 
barbershop, grocery store, casino, and anywhere else in the 
neighborhood. She loved to bake and was known for her delicious sweet 
potato pie, pretzel salad, and brownies. In her spare time, she created 
her special ``money cakes'' and gifted them to friends and family for 
birthdays and retirements.
  In addition, she was renowned for her efforts to support cancer 
survivors and others who struggled with the disease. Mrs. Ratliff-Gross 
dedication to life helped her conquer Breast cancer twice. She served 
as a beacon of hope for local women who needed comfort and 
encouragement to deal with their difficult cancer diagnosis. Even 
today, she is an inspiring figure who showed hundreds of local women 
there is life and recovery after a Breast cancer diagnosis.
  Mrs. Ratliff-Gross left an indelible mark on everyone who was 
fortunate enough to meet and know her as a wife, mother, grandmother, 
sister, aunt, mentor, or friend. She made a difference in countless 
lives with her infectious smile, laughter, and caring spirit. She 
cherished her family and friends with all her heart and embraced life 
with love and vitality. Her legacy of love and resilience will live on 
in the cherished memories of all those she touched.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in celebrating Mrs. Ratliff-Gross' life of public service and 
extend the deepest condolences to her beloved family and friends during 
this difficult time.

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