Viola Selma Ratzlaff

Viola began school in Main Centre, Sask. The family moved to B.C. in 1940. Viola graduated from Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI) in Abbotsford and normal school in Vancouver. She taught 1 year in both Stave Falls and Nakusp, B.C., and 3 at MEI. Most of her teaching career was in elementary schools in Vancouver. After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, she returned to teaching until 1988. After Harold’s retirement, Viola and Harold travelled annually for 9 years to teach at Lithuania Christian College. Viola served the church as Sunday school teacher, deacon and choir member. An avid reader, she was instrumental in the launch of several book clubs. She claimed Isaiah 40:31.

• Birth: June 27, 1928
• Birthplace:
  Herbert, Sask.
• Death: February 23, 2017

• Parents:
  Jacob & Elisabeth (Nickel) Doerksen
• Married:
  Harold Ratzlaff, Aug. 8, 1959
• Family:
  Harold; sons Chuck (Jane), Gregory [d.], Doug (Lesley); 4 grandchildren; 1 brother
• Church:
  Fraserview MB, Richmond, B.C.; Killarney Park, Vancouver; Bakerview MB, Abbotsford
• Baptism:
  South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB, Sept. 18, 1946