Ratzlaff, Anna Epp (1910-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Nov 3 p. 27

Birth date: 1910 Jul 2

text of obituary:

ANNA RATZLAFF

Anna Ratzlaff of Abbotsford, B.C passed away Sept. 10. She was born July 2, 1910 in Lichtfelde, Molotschna, Ukraine, the youngest child in the Epp family. Her father was a minister in the Mennonite church. The songs he sang stayed with her till the end of her life. She hoped to become a doctor. In 1922 her father died. Her mother died when Anna was 16. She began attending medical school in Halbstadt but was not allowed to continue because she had become a Christian. She moved to Shumanowka, Amur, Siberia. In 1930 she fled to China. In Harbin, she was baptized and married Abram Ratzlaff, They later immigrated to Fernheim, Paraguay. She and Abram became missionaries to the Lengua tribe. Her medical training came in handy. While in this work, their 2 small children died, and she lost the sight in one eye at age 27. After a few years as managers of the mission compound, they returned to farming. In 1947, MCC bought their land for refugees, and they joined the MB church in Neuland. When she was 60, they immigrated to Vancouver due to her health problems. They worked and bought a house. They were custodians at Culloden MB Church for several years and then moved to Clearbrook, B.C. They worked at Tabor Home till retirement. They joined Clearbrook MB Church. In 1981 Abram died. Anna moved to a condo. She worked for MCC and Helping Hands as long as she was able. Her last years were spent in Tabor Home. She took part in activities as long as she could. Her favourite Scripture was Ps. 13:5- 6. She had the gift of hospitality. Her home was open to all, regardless of race, politics or religion. She was always busy doing things for others. She wrote letters and sent birthday cards to all her children and grandchildren and prayed regularly for them. In her last audible prayer, she thanked God repeatedly for all His goodness. Predeceased by 2 children in infancy, Abram, daughter Kaethe and 1 grandson, she is mourned by children Else, Adeline, Annie, Gerhard and Heinz; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 14 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter J. Klassen and Peter Dueck ministering.