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...

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.

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...

Jo's report (with picture): I didn't see any classmates when we were in Kansas. We were there just a few days and spent the time doing things for Mom... Read More...

Sounds almost like a tropical storm forecast, but really it's about Jo and Bernie heading to Kansas later this month. They will be uniting members of the family to take a "five generation picture" at Rose Hill with Jo's mom! Must also be a great opportunity there for a mini class reunion.