Ratzlaff, Laura Buller (1902-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Aug 22 p. 3

Birth date: 1902 Apr 6

text of obituary:

MRS. H. E. RATZLAFF

Laura Ratzlaff, daughter of Henry B. and Elizabeth (Dickman) Buller, was born April 6, 1902, on a farm near Hillsboro, Kansas. Here she spent her childhood days and received her elementary education.

At the age of 14 she realized her lost condition and accepted Christ as her personal Saviour, and upon confession of her faith she was baptized June 3, 1917, by Elder John Plennert, and received into the membership of the Johannesthal church. Later on her membership was transferred to the Buhler Mennonite church where she remained a faithful member ot he end.

On November 24, 1921, she entered into holy wedlock with Henry E. Ratzlaff. She had the privilege to enjoy love and happiness, joy and sorrow with her husband for 24 years, seven months and 23 days. To this union four children were born, of whom one son and one daughter preceded her in death in infancy.

About 12 years ago she noticed her heart was failing. Since then many doctors have been consulted, but with short periods of relief only. It was noticed her condition gradually grew worse and worse. About a year ago it was noticed that she had difficulty breathing due to her heart.

On July 8, 1946, she was taken by her family to the Bethel Deaconess hospital where she was relieved of her suffering on July 17, 1946. For five days and six nights she lingered between life and death. Because it was the request of the doctors and the wish of her immediate family, her loved one faithfully watched by her bedside these five days and six nights. Even when her immediate family had their last devotionals with her, they had not given up hopes and prayed earnestly for her recovery. But at 4 o'clock in the afternoon of Wednesday, July 17, she breathed her last.

She passed to her eternal reward at the age of 44 years, three months, 11 days, leaving to mourn her too early departure her husband, one daughter, Bernice Louise, one son, Roland Wesley, all at home; three brothers William and Menno of Hillsboro. Theodore of Cheyenne, Wyoming, one sister, Agatha, of Hillsboro, four brothers-in-law, six sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and many relatives and friends. Her parents and one sister preceded her in death.

Next to Christ her home and family was always her first thought. She had a very warm heart for the sick, the poor and those in distress, and always a friendly word to the discouraged. Even on her deathbed when she heard the Word of God she had a smile on her face. As much as we mourn her early departure from us it is great comfort to know that she is with her Lord and Saviour enjoying the fruits of His grace and receiving the reward for her good deeds.

The Mennonite obituary: 1946 Aug 13 p. 14