Ratzlaff, Elizabeth Buller (1868-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Aug 1 p. 3

Birth date: 1868 Jan 8

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH RATZLAFF

Elizabeth Ratzlaff, nee Buller, was born January 8, 1868, in Karlswalde, Russia. In 1874 she immigrated to America with her parents. The first four years the lived in Iowa. Later they moved to South Dakota where she spent the remainder of her life. With many others she endured the hardships of pioneer life, including the snowstorm of 1888, and also the prairie fire in which they lost part of their belongings.

She was baptized in 1884 by Elder Friedrich Schartner, and became a member of the Schartner church.

On May 20, 1887, she was united in holy matrimony with John Ratzlaff. This fellowship was enjoyed for 40 years, seven months, and 13 days. This union was blessed with nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom two sons have preceded her in death. Our father passed away on December 3, 1927. In spite of many hardships which they both endured, God blessed them materially and supplied them with their daily needs.

The deceased was a devoted and praying mother. She was a great lover of Gospel songs, and in her lonely hours spent much time in singing, and reading the Bible.

In the past 20 years she suffered much from rheumatism. In March, 1943, she had a stroke fro [sic] which she recovered enough so that it was possible for her to attend church services. In the summer of 1945 her suffering became more intense, because an internal cancer developed. The last eight weeks and two days she was confined to her bed, enduring severe pain. Wednesday, July 10, at 8 a.m., mother was relieved of all her suffering and transferred to her heavenly home for which she yearned. She reached the age of 78 years, six months, and two days.

Whenever her suffering permitted, she attended church services. The last 30 years, together with her family, she attended services in the M. B. church, and the last years of her life enjoyed intimate fellowship there. January of 1946 was the last time this was granted her.

She proved to be a true child of God through all these years. March 24, 1946, when she was already ill, she partook of the Lord’s Supper together with other sisters of the church in the home of Pete Ratzlaff. This was the last time she was permitted to leave her home.

Five brothers and five sisters preceded her in death. The only sister living is Mrs. Jacob Schmidt of Dolton, South Dakota. The sudden departure of her sons, Abe and John, and the sufferings of her daughter, Lena, in Montana have been hard experiences in her later life.

Her departure is mourned by four daughters, three sons, three sons-in-law, five daughters-in-law, 29 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one sister, and a host of relatives and friends.

We miss her beyond words, but still we know that she has entered where there is no more pain or suffering.

Surviving children are: Henry Ratzlaff, Dolton; Jacob Loewen, Richey, Montana; Peter Ratzlaff, Freeman; Kathryn Ratzlaff, Marion, Alex Deckert, Marion; Ben Ratzlaff, Freeman, Jake J. Fast, Marion; Mrs. Abe Ratzlaff, Omaha, Nebraska; and Mrs. Marie Ratzlaff Kunkel, Marion.