RATZLAFF – Alice Emma Ratzlaff

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    Ratzlaff – Alice Emma Ratzlaff of Calgary, beloved wife of the late John Ratzlaff, passed away in Calgary on Wednesday, January 9th, 2018 at the age of 93 years. Alice was born July 20th, 1925 in Medicine Hat to Howard and Elsie Moses. They lived on a farm near Simmie and Instow, Saskatchewan, where she received her education. Alice completed grade 9 while learning to sew and helping her parents on the farm and with their threshing business. She received her driver’s license without taking a test and at the age of 13 drove herself and her sisters to and from school. Her mother’s health issues triggered a move to Moose Jaw in November, 1941 where Alice’s brother was training for the service. She married John Ratzlaff on September 28th, 1946 and moved to Lethbridge, where their son Rick was born. The family moved to Brooks and then Bassano, where John established Ratzlaff Agencies. Alice and John welcomed two more sons, Wayne and Bruce while living in Bassano. They established the Bassano Evangelical Free Church , where Alice would accompany John in his singing ministry. She was involved with the Salvation Army, sponsored immigrant families, taught home making skills and always had an open home and an open heart for others. She lived her faith in action and carried the image of God in all her creativity. Alice was predeceased by her loving husband, John Ratzlaff, parents Howard and Elsie Moses and one grandson by marriage, Grant Batchelor. She is survived by her three sons: Rick (Aggie) Ratzlaff of Sexsmith, Alberta, Wayne (Bonnie) Ratzlaff of Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan, Bruce (Verna) Ratzlaff of Calgary, Alberta; grandchildren, Lisa Ratzlaff of Zambia, Darren (Peggy) Ratzlaff of Nebraska, Wendy (Alex) Lerch, Calgary, Tanis (Perry) Klassen of Stony Plain, Kim (Ernie) Warkentin, Debolt, Lori (Mark) De Witt of Calgary, Jody (Stan) Keim of McBride, British Columbia, Richelle Chambers of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Julie (Ray) Porco of Calgary, Alberta, Sandi (Kent) McKay of Edmonton; 23 great grandchildren; two foster daughters, Hélène Garrett and Lilian Johnson and their families; her older brother Owen (Noreen) Moses of Oregon; sisters Hazel Seibel of Hamilton, Ethel Farthing of Edmonton and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 14th at 1:00 PM from Bassano Evangelical Church. Rev. Robert Ratzliff officiating. Interment at Bassano Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at Knox Presbyterian Church CE Building. In memory of Alice, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Alice Ratzlaff Legacy Fund, International Messengers Canada, Box 11022, 1945 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia   V2S 0E4.

    Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

    SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

    BROOKS, ALBERTA

    Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

    Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652