Jake Ratzlaff Jr.'s Obituary
Jake Ratzlaff Jr, age 89 of rural Elk City, left this earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, June 5, 2020, near his home while mowing hay.
Jake was born October 11, 1930 in Cimarron, KS to Jake and Melinda (Glasgow) Ratzlaff. He grew up alongside 4 siblings.
On May 20, 1956, Jake married Carolyn Bagby in Garden City, KS, and they recently celebrated 64 years together.
Over the years Jake worked several jobs, from truck driver hauling hay to western Kansas and then hauling corn back, to bus driver hauling kids to school for 30 years, but he was best known to be a farmer/rancher, and a wonderful dad and papa. Jake was a master teacher, and took pride in knowing he taught his children great work ethic. Together, he and Carolyn raised 6 children of their own, plus any other kid that needed a place to stay. Jake would always give anyone a place to stay, as long as they were willing to work.
Jake is survived by his wife, Carolyn of the home
Children:
Deb (Tim) Underwood of Augusta, KS
Cindy (Mike) Hughes of rural Elk City, KS
Ron Ratzlaff of rural Elk City, KS
Rod (Gen) Ratzlaff of rural Elk City, KS
Brenda (Benny) Beurskens of Independence, KS
Lori (Rick) Baskin of Bartlesville, OK
16 Grandchildren, and 13 Great-Grandchildren with 1 more due in September
Sisters :
Betty Jean Eichenauer of Ingalls, KS
Norma (Art) Tull of Independence, KS
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Emmett Gene (Sonny), sister Dimple Dene Hummer, and 1 granddaughter.
The family will receive friends at visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at Countryside Funeral Home, Fredonia, KS 66736
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Cornerstone Christian Church, Fredonia, KS
Interment will follow at White Cemetery in rural Montgomery County
Memorial contributions in Jake’s name can be made to Cornerstone Christian Church, and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Services entrusted to:
Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th, P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736
What’s your fondest memory of Jake?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jake?
Share a story where Jake's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jake you’ll never forget.
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