Jo Lanzrath's message:

I want to thank the Class of '55 for the lovely anthurium plant that was displayed at my mother's funeral - it was so touching to see "Class of '55" on the card and such a generous gesture. I really appreciated it. And thanks to all the classmates who honored my mother by attending the viewing and funeral.

It was a hard trip to make, but even in death, my mother took care of us: we were able to make the trip to Kansas before this big snow storm struck here in Colorado!

Gratefully,
Jo

Josephine Lanzrath's mother, Ella Ratzlaff, passed away Thursday, January 26 at the age of 99.

ROSE HILL: Ratzlaff, Ella M., age 99, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2012. Visitation 1-8 pm Monday with family present 6-8 pm at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby. Funeral service 10 am Tuesday at Rose Hill United Methodist Church, 19551 SW Butler Rd., Rose Hill. Interment 2 pm Tuesday at Hoffnungsau Cemetery, Inman, KS. Ella was born March 4, 1912 to Henry and Kathryn (Williams) Ratzlaff in Buhler, KS. She married Herman J. Ratzlaff February 4, 1934 and unto this union 7 children were born.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Dale Ratzlaff; granddaughter, Amber Ratzlaff; sisters, Agnes Hopkins and Justina Schroeder; brother, Abe Ratzlaff.

Ella is survived by her children, Leila (Richard) Hinderliter, Lynn (Judi) Ratzlaff, Josephine (Bernie) Lanzrath, John (Donna) Ratzlaff, Roger (Judy) Ratzlaff and Greg (Nancy) Ratzlaff; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sister, Evelyn Plett. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church. www.smithfamilymortuaries.com

Our condolences go out to Jo and her family. Read More...

Sharon Bacon sent us the following yesterday:

"Wayne is in Wesley Hospital. He went in on Tuesday morning with a high fever. They think he has pneumonia in one lung, also a bad urinary tract infection. He was doing better today. They started him on high powered IV antibiotics, but had to change to oral medication today, as he kept pulling out the IV's. He says he does not remember pulling them out. He has never done that before. We are waiting on the urologist to give us his opinion and or treatment. Hopefully Wayne will be going back to the nursing facility soon."

We are all pulling for Wayne to overcome this latest challenge. Thank you Sharon for keeping us informed.

Jim says things are looking very good out his way. Check his Graduate Page for details.

Jo Lanzrath is in the process of moving from California to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her new address and email is listed on her Graduate Page, but she will not be on-line until around Thanksgiving.

Lloyd "Bill" William Dunnell (August 22, 1915 - June 8, 2011)

"UDALL Dunnell, Lloyd William "Bill", age 95, died Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Visitation 9-10 am with funeral service at 10 am Thursday, June 16, Senter-Smith Mortuary, 501 SE Louis Blvd., Mulvane. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edna Dunnell; wife, Mary Dunnell; daughter-in-law, Ruth Dunnell; brothers, John, Howard, James and infant John R. Dunnell; sisters, Marie Owens, Jean Bielby and 2 infant sisters.

Survivors include: sons, Lloyd W. (Anna) Dunnell Jr of Winfield, KS and Jerry Dunnell of Fairbanks, AK; grandsons, Lloyd W. (Amy) Dunnell, III of Winfield, KS and Donny Dunnell of Fairbanks, AK; sisters, Gloria (J. Warren) Sickles of Winfield, KS, Virginia (Lawrence) Alley of Douglas, KS; sister-in-law, Margaret Dunnell of Peck, KS plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials to Harry Hynes Hospice.

Our condolences go out to Bill and his family.

The annual Alumni Banquet was held Saturday, May 28, at the Rose Hill School and several class of '55 members were there. Attending the banquet were, Larry & Peggy Webster, Don & Charlene Davis, Larry & Ann Young, Jack Carr, Richard Pearson, James Walton, Ray & Cecilia Young and Marion Futhey.

After the meal some of them went to Marion's house for more visiting.

Around the table: Jack Carr, Don & Charlene Davis, Jim Walton, Richard Pearson, Larry & Ann Young, and Cecilia & Ray Young.

Josephine Lanzrath made a trip from California on May 12 to visit her family in Rose Hill. She was able to spend time with her mother, Ella Ratzlaff, along with her brothers John and Lynn. Ella turned 99 in March! Naturally the kids are planning a big celebration next March.

Jo also had time to see a few classmates during her brief stay. Read More...