Ratzlaff, Marie (1902-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Aug 28 p. 5

Birth date: 1902 Mar 5

text of obituary:

Business Woman Dies at Henderson

Henderson, Neb. — Miss Marie Ratzlaff, 56, who retired last spring after being in the drygoods business here for a number of years, died Aug. 18 at the Community hospital.

Miss Ratzlaff and her sister, Helen, operated the store here for 14 years, selling it to their brother, A. P. Ratzlaff, last April. Two sisters and three brothers survive.

Funeral services were held at the Bethesda Mennonite Church with Rev. J. R. Duerksen and Rev. A. W. Friesen in charge.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Sep 4 p. 8

text of obituary:

MARIE RATZLAFF

Marie Ratzlaff, daughter of Peter and Katherine Mierau Ratzlaff, was born on March 5, 1902, and went to her eternal home on August 18, 1958, at the age of 56 years, five months and 13 days.

She was baptized on June 4, 1922, and admitted asa member of the Bethesda Mennonite Church. She maintained this membership until her death.

She spent all of her life at Henderson, most of the time associated in business. she started her career in her father's general store, and in 1944 she and her sister took over Ratzlaff's Dry Goods Store. This partnership lasted 14 years, until Marie's illness necessitated the sale of the business.

She entered Lincoln General Hospital on Feb. 24, 1958, and received treatment for cancer, but its advanced stage made recovery impossible, and after an illness of about six months she was released. She was hospitalized again the last four days, but expressed gratitude that she did not suffer great pain. She endured her illness patiently.

The family will remember her for her interest in all that concerned them. She was always very appreciative for any favor received. She enjoyed her nieces and nephews immensely, and loved to plan small gifts and surprises for them. In business she was conscientious and willing to serve, often going out of her way to do some extra service for a customer.

She is survived by two sisters, Helen, with whom she made her home, and Elizabeth, Mrs. P. B. Buller of Shafter, Calif.; three brothers, Abe, Jake, and Dietrich, all of Henderson; one brother-in-law, three sisters-in-law, six nieces, seven nephews, and many relatives and friends. Her father, mother, eight brother and sisters preceded her in death.