Edith Ellen Ratzlaff

Edith Ellen Ratzlaff was born January 15, 1921, in the Appanoose community, north of Pomona, Kansas, where she grew up. She was the daughter of Clyde E. and Lura A. (Beard) Hetrick. She was a lifelong resident of Franklin County, until moving to Waverly, in Coffey County, Kansas, in 1986, where she made her home until her death Saturday, April 19, 2003, at the age of eighty-two years. Edith was the fourth of five children. Even though she grew up in the depression, she still had a fun time. Although they didn't have a lot, everyone pitched in to raise a garden, chickens, hogs and cattle. She felt her father was fortunate to have a job and was paid $37.00 a month. They raised Holsteins, which provided their milk and cream. One fond memory Edith shared was going into Pomona to get ice and making vanilla ice cream, which was always her favorite flavor. Edith graduated from Dean Elementary and attended Appanoose High School with the class of 1939. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Waverly, and former member of First Christian Church in Ottawa. She was a lifelong homemaker. On June 20, 1944, Edith was united in marriage with William H. 'Bill' Ratzlaff at Ottawa, Kansas. They met when they were both working for a family near Centropolis. Edith said it was 'love at first sight'. He preceded her in death on December 21, 1974. After Bill passed away, Edith lived in several nursing facilities before moving to Sunset Manor in Waverly. She enjoyed living at the facility and took part in many of the activities which included playing Pitch, Skip Bo and Bingo and never missed church services, if she could help it. When the weather was nice, and she felt up to it, shopping trips were fun for her. Edith enjoyed her family and their visits. She kept in touch with her sister, Geneva, and enjoyed letters and cards from several of her friends. She is survived by her brother, Max E. Hetrick of Pomona, Kansas; sister, Geneva Simons of Richland, Washington; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Joyce Beardmore and Nina Hughes. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2003. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Mindy Johnson, Waverly United Methodist Church. IN STATE: Mrs. Razlaff will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 9:00 a.m. Monday to the service hour. CEMETERY: Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Sunset Manor of Waverly, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.