Ratzlaff, Susie Wedel (1878-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Jul 4 p. 3

Birth date: 1878 Oct 21

text of obituary:

MRS. SUSIE RATZLAFF

Susie Wedel Ratzlaff was born on October 21, 1878 near Moundridge, in McPherson county, Kansas. Here she was reared and received her education.

In the year 1894 in her young years, Mother felt the need of the Lord Jesus as her personal Savior, was converted and upon confession of her faith was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, by Tobias A. Unruh, remaining a faithful member unto the end.

On June 23, 1895, she was united in marriage with Henry A. Ratzlaff, also assuming the responsibility of being mother to his seven children. To this union 14 children were born, five sons and nine daughters.

She was concerned for her spiritual welfare and her greatest concern was that she might have a Heavenly Mansion someday.

The last weeks she was usually quiet and more relieved of earthly cares. Since the death of father on March 14, 1944, she had been staying at intervals in the homes of the children. Always before she would leave one home she would confess her mistakes so that she would leave our homes in peace. When asked of her hope she said she was ready to die.

About ten years ago her health began to fail and she had not been too well since. Five weeks ago she had an attack of heart trouble. She seemingly rallied. On Monday night, June 10, she went to retire as usual and on Tuesday morning when her daughter, Margaret, went to her bed to awaken her she found Mother had gone home to Heaven.

She passed away in the home of her children, Harvey and Margaret Unruh, at the age of 67 years, seven months, and 21 days. Those preceding are her husband, four daughters and one son. Those surviving are six sons, six daughters-in-law, nine daughters, seven sons-in-law, forty-nine grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted from the Lone Tree Mennonite church near Moundridge, Kansas, at 2:00 o’clock Friday afternoon, June 14, 1946, by Rev. Jesse Johnson, assisted by Rev. Jonas Koehn and Rev. Frank Unruh. Interment was in the nearby church cemetery.

Silently and peacefully mother passed away.
Not a farewell word was spoken here,
No one saw her cross the river,
No one thought death was so near.

Into Heaven’s mansions she entered
Never to sigh nor to weep,
After many years of life’s struggles,
Mother has fallen asleep.

●     ●     ●

She resteth now; no more her breast
Heaves with its weary breath.
Pain sits no longer on the brow
Where lies the calm of death.

Sunk to her rest like a tired child,
She lies in slumber deep;
Soft folded in the arms of Him
Who giveth his beloved sleep.

—The Children.