Jean E. (Jason) Ratner, 81, of Dartmouth, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Tobey Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard R. Ratner, Jr. Together they shared 59 years of marriage.
Mrs. Ratner was born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Alonzo V. Jr. and Edith (Newman) Jason and had been a lifelong resident of Dartmouth. She was raised with horses and had a true love for them. She enjoyed watching sports with family, especially football. She loved going to car shows, car cruises, and 50’s nights in their antique cars. She could often be found laughing and dancing to the oldies with her friends at the car events. In the 1970’s, Mr. and Mrs. Ratner and many of their friends drove to the car shows equipped with CB radios in their vehicles so they could stay in contact while traveling on the highways. Back then, you used a “handle” instead of your name on the air. Mrs. Ratner was known as “Nova Lee.” Music was an important aspect of her life. In the 1980’s, she was in a musical group called Country Sunshine, with a dear friend and two sisters in law. She played the auto harp and sang in the group. They played at church events, in nursing homes, and at family gatherings. One of the things Mrs. Ratner loved was baking, especially a friendship bread called Herman, that required a “starter” and took 10 days to make. She also loved crocheting doilies and outfits for children’s toys, playing card games and Pokeno with her friends around the kitchen table, and collecting wicker baskets, pocketbooks, and antique household items. She never passed up a good yard sale, and always scoured them for her favorite things. Mrs. Ratner also had fun watching and feeding wild birds, just as her mother did. Her favorites were hummingbirds and cardinals. She was thrilled to have grandchildren, and over the moon to have great grandchildren. When the grandkids were young, she made up a little game she played with them every week, She’d hide a tiny plush cow and they’d have to search for it. The child that found the cow would win a prize. They called it the Cow Hunt. Another popular tradition was annually bringing out “The Great Pumpkin” which required the use of heavy equipment. There would be treats and apple cider, and the obligatory group photo with all the kids in front of the huge pumpkin, a tradition that took place for decades. She would plan this event early, so everyone could be included. Mrs. Ratner was known for caring for all children, not only in her family, but in her neighborhood, many of whom as they grew, still stopped by to visit with her now and then to catch up. She enjoyed those visits. There were times that Mrs. Ratner and her husband opened their home to people who were in need of a place to stay. Those people became like family to Mrs. Ratner. She was a woman of faith. She believed in the power of prayer, and loved the Lord our God.
Survivors include her 2 daughters: Chevelle Kelly and her husband Donald, Kimberly Casmira and her husband Robert, 2 sons: Richard Ratner III, and Ryan Ratner, all of Dartmouth; a sister: Jacqueline Tripp of Dartmouth, a brother: Alonzo V. Jason III of Dartmouth; 5 grandchildren: Megan Sylvia, Drew Kelly, Gaven Casmira, Koryn Casmira and Sophie Ratner; 2 great grandchildren: Daniel Kelly and Henry Sylvia; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was the sister of the late Judith Reed and the late Joyce Wood.
Memorial visitation to which relatives and friends are invited will be Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Potter Funeral Home from 4-6:30 P.M. followed immediately by a 6:30 P.M. memorial service.
Interment service will be Friday, September 25, 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery, Dartmouth at 11:00 A.M.