Ratzloff, Clifford (1947-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Sep 3 p. 3

Birth date: 1947

text of obituary:

FUNERAL OF 17-YR.-OLD ACCIDENT VICTIM LARGELY ATTENDED

Lynden, Wash. — Relatives and friends from near and far filled the Glendale Mennonite Church on Aug. 20 for the funeral of 17-year-old Clifford Ratzloff, who died in a railroad crossing accident.

The youth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Ratzloff, was instantly killed when his car was struck by a speeding freight train about three miles from his home. The impact cut the car in two pieces and half of the wreckage was dragged for about a half mile.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Sep 10 p. 8

text of obituary:

CLIFFORD RATZLOFF

On May 9, 1947 the Lord blessed our home with a precious baby boy. On Mother's Day 1948 we consecrated Clifford to the Lord. Rev. J. M. Regier officiated at this service.

Clifford was a quiet boy with deep thoughts and could often be found alone in his room, reading his precious Bible. Among the heavily marked verses are John 14:2, 3. There are many precious memories of his childhood in which his sister Lois Mae had a great part.

On Aug. 13, 1961 he was baptized upon the confession of his faith by Rev. James Gingerich and received as a member of the Warden Mennonite Church, Warden, Wash.

The early part f his childhood was spent on a farm near Lehigh, Kan. At the age of eight, he with his parents and sister moved to Warden, Wash. where he finished his education through his junior year of high school, moving to Custer, Wash. on July 9. He would have been a senior in the Ferndale, Wash. High School this fall.

This summer Clifford had the thrilling experience of taking a train trip to Kansas, leaving July 21 and returning home Aug. 5. He was happy to see his relatives after having missed them for eight years. He was anxiously looking forward to seeing his sister and brother-in-law whom he had not seen for three years but who were planning to come home for a visit soon.

Sunday morning Aug. 16, he joined his parents for the last time in going to God's house to worship. Sunday afternoon he made the remark that he wished to go visit a new found friend. Parting with his dear friend, they cheerfully said to each other, "See you again." On his way home our Lord Jesus met him with outstretched arms and took him home to Glory where we know he is happy and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

Funeral services were conducted at the Glendale Mennonite Church on Aug. 20, with Rev. John Suderman and Rev. James Ginerich in charge. Pall bearers were six of the boys in the catechism class which Clifford attended. The final resting place is the Enterprise Cemetery near Ferndale, Wash.

He reached the age of 17 years, three months, and seven days. He leaves to mourn his early departure his deeply bereaved parents, his sister Lois and her husband George Salisbury, his aged grandfather, 12 uncles and aunts, cousins and many other relatives and friends.

"The Lord has given, the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." — Sam and Hilda Ratzloff, George and Lois Salisbury.