Ratzlaff, Laura Unruh (1885-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Jan 28 p. 9

Birth date: 1885 Dec 28

text of obituary:

MRS. LAURA RATZLAFF

Laura, my beloved companion and daughter of Tobias P. Unruh, was born in Spring Valley Township, McPherson county, Kansas on Dec. 28, 1885, and passed away at Mercy hospital, Moundridge, on Jan. 13, 1954. She reached the age of 68 years and 16 days.

She received her education, grew to womanhood and lived in this community all her life.

In 1905 she was converted and was baptized on Sept. 10, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, remaining a faithful sister unto the end.

She was united in marriage to Fred B. Ratzlaff on March 25, 1906, sharing joys and sorrows of life for 49 years, nine months and 19 days.

She had a mild submissive disposition, a kind and sympathetic heart, ever ready and willing to lend a helping hand wherever there was a need. When we were called to the deaconry on May 21, 1929, she submissively accepted her responsibility and faithfully served the church and her Lord for over 24 years, offering hearty support to me when called for duty at home or abroad.

Her general health was fair until about four weeks ago, when she began to complain of slight pains in her side. This soon develped [sic] into serious trouble. She was taken to the McPherson hospital for better medical care on Dec. 29, and on Dec. 30 she was transferred to Mercy hospital where the best of care and the skill of doctors and nurses were applied. On Wednesday evening, Jan. 13, when apparently she was holding her own, very unexpectedly and suddenly she passed away at 9:05 p. m., forever relieved of all earthly pain, trouble and cares.

During the last few weeks of her life, in special consecration, she was able to realize anew the unfailing mercy of God, who had never forsaken her. Being fully resigned, she expressed a longing to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.

She leaves to mourn her unexpected departure her sorrowing companion; two brothers, Levi of Halstead, Sam of Galva; four sisters, Mrs. Ida Koehn of Galva, Sarah, Mrs. Pete Wedel, Ella, Mrs. John Ratzlaff, Nettie, Mrs. Simon Koehn, of Moundridge, and many other relatives and friends.

“We sorrow not as others do
Whose hopes fade like the flowers.
There is a hope that’s born of God,
And such a hope is ours.”

— Fred B. Ratzlaff.