Losing someone is heavy. It's a weight that doesn't just sit on your chest; it feels like it’s rewritten the rules of your daily life. When you’re in that fog in Louisville, searching for ratterman funeral home obituaries usually isn’t just about checking a date or a time. You're looking for a story. You’re looking for a way to say goodbye or a chance to see that one photo that perfectly captures how your uncle used to smirk when he told a bad joke.
But here is the thing that trips people up: "Ratterman" isn't just one building. It’s a legacy that’s been part of Kentucky since 1864, and because the family grew, so did the business. If you’re looking for a specific obituary, you might actually be looking for one of several different "branches" that operate independently.
Why Finding the Right Ratterman Matters
If you just type the name into a search bar, you might end up on the wrong website wondering why your friend isn't listed. Honestly, it’s a common mix-up. In Louisville, the Ratterman name is split between two primary entities: Ratterman & Sons and Ratterman Brothers.
They are both run by the same extended family tree, but they have different websites and different obituary listings.
Ratterman & Sons (which you’ll find on Bardstown Road and in Jeffersontown) is distinct from Ratterman Brothers (located on Lexington Road in St. Matthews and out in East Louisville on Shelbyville Road). Then there’s Ratterman Southwest on Cane Run Road.
Basically, if you can’t find the person you’re looking for, check the other site. Most of these sites feature a "search" bar right at the top. You don't need the full name usually—just a last name will pull up a list of recent services.
What You’ll Find in These Obituaries
An obituary isn't just a notice. It’s a digital memorial. On the Ratterman platforms, these pages stay up long after the service is over.
- The Tribute Wall: This is where things get personal. People post stories, share old photos from the 70s, or just leave a little "thinking of you" message.
- Service Details: You'll get the specifics—visitation hours, the funeral Mass or service location, and where the burial is happening (often Cave Hill or Calvary Cemetery here in town).
- Flower Orders: There’s usually a direct link to send arrangements. It's convenient, though some families prefer a donation to a specific charity instead.
- Livestreaming: Since 2020, many services are streamed. If you’re out of state or just can't make it to the Bardstown Road chapel, look for a link near the service information.
Writing a Ratterman Funeral Home Obituary
Maybe you’re not the one searching. Maybe you’re the one sitting at a kitchen table with a laptop, trying to figure out how to summarize eighty years of life into five paragraphs.
It’s a lot of pressure.
The directors at Ratterman often help with the "skeleton"—the birth dates, the surviving family members, the technical stuff. But the "heart" comes from you. Don't worry about sounding like a professional writer. People want to hear about the person. Did they love the Louisville Cardinals? Were they the person who always brought the best potato salad to the Fourth of July cookout?
Mention the small things.
A great obituary usually follows a loose rhythm: the announcement (who and when), the life story (where they worked, what they loved), the family (who is left to carry on the torch), and the service info.
The Evolution of the Digital Memorial
Years ago, you had to buy a physical copy of the Courier-Journal to see who had passed. Now, ratterman funeral home obituaries are permanent digital archives.
This change is actually pretty great for genealogy. If you’re digging into your family history in Louisville, these online archives are gold mines. They often include maiden names, hometowns, and military service details that might have been lost otherwise.
One thing to keep in mind is that "Ratterman & Sons" and "Ratterman Brothers" are separate businesses with separate histories. Ratterman & Sons often emphasizes their 150-year history and their locations in the Highlands and J-town. Ratterman Brothers has deep roots in St. Matthews and the growing East End.
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If you are looking for an older obituary—something from five or ten years ago—most of these websites have an "Archives" section. You can filter by year or just use the search function. If the person passed away quite a long time ago, you might have better luck with a site like Legacy.com, which many local funeral homes use to host their older records.
Real Talk About Cost and Submission
Let's be real: putting an obituary in the newspaper is expensive. The Courier-Journal charges by the line, and it adds up fast.
The digital obituary on the Ratterman website is typically included in the service package. It’s a way to get the word out to the community without a $500 newspaper bill. Many families choose to put a very short "death notice" in the paper and then point people to the website for the full story and service times.
It’s a smart move. It allows you to write 1,000 words about your grandma’s secret garden without worrying about the cost of every comma.
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Next Steps for You
If you’re currently looking for a service, your best bet is to check the specific location’s website.
- Identify the location: Was it Bardstown Road? Lexington Road? Cane Run?
- Go to that specific Ratterman website.
- Click the "Obituaries" or "Recent Services" tab.
- Use the search bar if the name isn't on the front page.
- Sign up for "Obituary Alerts" if you want to stay informed about future services in the community.
Sometimes, the information hasn't been posted yet because the family is still finalizing details. If you know a service is happening but don't see the post, check back in a few hours. These are updated manually by the staff as soon as the family gives the green light.