Jonean Ratliff was most recently an Adjunct Teacher of Private Voice at Moberly Area Community College and a graduate of Kirksville High School and Truman University (Northeast Missouri State), with postgraduate work at UMC and UMKC.

 

She had an extensive career that included teaching vocal music at Moberly High School from 1965–1995. During that time, she directed numerous musical productions, including The Sound of Music, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, The Mikado, Guys and Dolls, Camelot, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Into the Woods. The Moberly Singers were consistent recipients of State I Ratings and were selected for MMEA performances in 1972, 1980, 1986, and 1992.

 

In addition, she had experience as a vocal soloist, clinician, and adjudicator. For 35 years, she served as Church Choir Director at Trinity United Methodist Church in Moberly. She also served as an Adjunct Private Voice Instructor at Moberly Area Community College.

Jonean’s professional memberships and offices included MCDA President, 1987–1989; MMEA Vocal Vice President, 1974–1978; ACDA; MMEA; and NEA. Her awards included the Luther T. Spayde Award in 1990 and the MACC Adjunct Instructor Excellence in Teaching Award in 2015–2016.

 

She maintained a strong interest in education through her service on the Moberly Board of Education, took great interest in the lives of her former students, and sang whenever possible.