Allison ‘Cathy’ Ratts

SPRINGFIELD – Allison Catherine “Cathy” Ratts, 61, formerly of Dixon, died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield after a determined battle with cancer.

She was born Allison Catherine Ann Heath on Sept. 19, 1957 in St. Charles, but spent her formative years in Champaign. She attended Parkland Community College in Champaign as well as Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, becoming a registered interpreter for the hearing impaired and an instructor of Manual Communications.

She earned her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Illinois State University, Normal, and her master’s degree, also summa cum laude, from Aurora University in Aurora.

During her career as an educator, she taught at Unity High School in Tolono, Rantoul Township High School in Rantoul, and Dixon Public Schools. She was known as a caring and compassionate teacher who endeared herself to students and parents alike.

She also was an avid bass fisherman, like her husband, and athletic runner. Cathy enjoyed the outdoors and wildlife, particularly white-tailed deer fawns and hummingbirds.

Following retirement, she and her husband, Darryl A. Ratts, moved from Dixon to Decatur/Mount Zion. He survives.

An informal celebration of her life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home in Decatur. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, P.O. box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141.

Go to gracelandfairlawn.com to send condolences.