Ratzlaff, Susie Unruh (1864-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Jan 25 p. 3

Birth date: 1864 Jul 4

text of obituary:

MRS. SUSIE RATZLAFF

Grandmother Susie Ratzlaff, nee Unruh, was born in Ostroch, Poland, on July 4, 1864, and died at 4:30 P. M. on January 12, 1945. She reached the age of 80 years, 6 months, and 8 days.

She was baptized upon her confession of faith by Elder Buller of the Alexanderwohl church and joined the Canton church, north of Moundridge, Kansas.

She was joined in marriage to Andrew Ratzlaff in 1882, with whom she shared the joys and sorrows of life for 40 years, her husband passing away in 1923. After the departure of her beloved husband she lived near her youngest daughter in her little house so that she could be near her whenever necessary. Here she lived a peaceful life for a number of years. When her health began to fail she received the best of care from her children, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Jantz. When she grew weaker and was unable to be alone any longer she was willing to go to stay with each of her children for a time.

Her last illness overtook her at the home of her children, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Ratzlaff in Newton. All that human hands could do was done for her. However, she gradually grew weaker. during the last week of her illness she prayed much and also requested her children to pray with her. Her sincere prayer was that the Lord should not leaver her and she openly expressed the wish to go to be with Jesus. During the last days she suffered quite severely but bore he suffering with patience, remaining faithful to the end.

She passed to her reward on Friday, January, 12. She leaves to mourn her departure one son, three daughters, one daughter-in-law, three sons-in-law, 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, one sister and many relatives and friends.

Mother Has Fallen Asleep

Mother was tired and weary,
Weary with toil and with pain;
Put up her glassed and rocker,
She will not need them again.

Into Heaven's mansions she's entered
Never to sigh nor week;
After long years with life's struggles
Mother has fallen asleep.

Beautiful rest for the weary.
Well deserved rest for the true;
When our life's journey is ended
We shall again be with you.

This helps to quiet our weeping.—
Hark, angel music is sweet;
He giveth to his beloved,
Beautiful, beautiful sleep.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Janruy16. The service at the home and also at the Friedenstal church at Tampa was conducted by Rev. Walter Regier, whose text was Psalm 23, 1. He was assisted by Bishop R. I. Witter of the Brethren in Christ church, whose text was Heb. 11, 14-16. A quartet consisting of four grandsons sang at the home, while at the church a mixed quartet rendered several appropriate songs. Interment was in the Friedenstal cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1945 Jan 30 p. 12