Ratzlaff, Sara Klassen (1871-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 4 p. 6

Birth date: 1871 Feb 26

text of obituary:

. . .

— Mrs. Sarah Ratzlaff, 88, long-time resident of the Buhler community, died Monday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Quiring , in Newton. Services are announced for 2 p.m. Friday at the Hoffnungsau Mennonite church near Inman. Mrs. Ratzlaff is survived by eight daughters, five sons, a sister, Mrs. Nettie Pankratz of the Bethel Home for Aged, 32 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 25 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. SARA RATZLAFF

Mrs. Sara Klassen Ratzlaff was born Feb. 26, 1871, in Michale [sic Michalin], South Russia. At the age of three she came to America with her parents, John and Aganetha Klassen, in the immigration of 1874. They made their home east of Newton, Kansas in Harvey county, where she received her elementary education.

Upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior she was baptized and received into the fellowship of the Grace Hill Mennonite church.

On May 10, 1890, she was united in marriage to John Ratzlaff and they made their home on a farm east of Buhler, Kansas, where she spent 62 years of her life. She transferred her church membership to the Hoffnungsau Mennonite church near Inman, Kansas.

Our father passed away March 11, 1938. One daughter, Ida, Mrs. Jacob L. Regier, also preceded her in death in 1957, which was a great grief to her. Later she moved to the town of Buhler, Kan. where she spent six years in her lovely home, which she enjoyed very much.

When her health failed it became necessary for her to enter the hospital. Here she remained until she improved sufficiently to go to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Quiring at Newton, where she remained until her departure. She suffered several strokes which confined her to the wheel chair.

She was a very patient mother, always delighting to do little deeds of kindness for others. In spite of her illness she never complained and was gateful [sic] that she did not have to suffer like many others do. She spent much time reading her Bible and when she could not sleep we heard her in audible prayer. She was a kind and loving mother. She departed this life on Feb. 1, 1960, attaining the age of 88 years, 11 months, and five days.

She is survived by ten children, John K. and wife Sara of Buhler, Elizabeth and husband Frank W. Kroeker of Hutchinson, Helen and husband P. P. Buller of Buhler, Hilda and husband Frank L. Dick of Buhler, Katherine and husband Frank Quiring of Newton, Marie and husband John L. Regier of Burrton, Abe and wife Margaret of Buhler, Minnie and husband Aaron A. Willems of Inman, Dorothy and husband Elmer Regehr of Inman; one son-in-law, Jacob L. Regier of burrton; 32 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Nettie Pankratz, who is 98 years old and resides at the Bethel Home for the Aged at Newton,; and many other relatives and friends who mourn her passing. Two grandchildren preceded her in death. — The Family.e