Ratzlaff, Helen (1888-1972)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Nov 30 p. 15

Birth date: 1888 Dec 30

text of obituary:

HELEN RATZLAFF

Helen Ratzlaff was born Dec. 30, 1888 to Peter and Katharina Mierau Ratzlaff. She lived all her life at Henderson, Neb., moving from her home to Midtown Manor seven years ago. Since June she had been a resident of the Henderson Nursing Home. On July 31 she fell and suffered a broken hip. She was hospitalized until several weeks ago, when she was transferred back to the Nursing Home, where she passed away Oct. 18, 1972.

Helen attended Henderson Public School and at an early age began helping in her father's general store. At his death in 1939, Helen, together with her sister Marie and brother Jacob assumed the business, continuing until 1943. Helen and Marie then took over the dry goods department. When Marie's health failed in 1958, they sold their business, and Helen retired from the business world at the age of 69 years.

Helen was baptized May 30, 1909 by Rev. H. H. Regier, and became a member of Bethesda Mennonite Church, cherishing her membership until the end. For some years she taught a boys' Sunday school class. She belonged to Mission Circle until she was unable to take part.

She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Buller of Shafter, Calif.; three brothers, Jacob of York, Neb., and Abraham and Dietrich of Henderson; three sisters-in-law; 14 nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. Her parents and nine brothers and sisters preceded her in death.