George Harvey Ratzlaff, 84, peacefully went to Heaven on June 12, 2015, at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, Buhler. He was born on May 1, 1931, in Halstead, to George and Eleanor (Reed) Ratzlaff.

He graduated from Burrton High School in 1949, where he actively participated in football, basketball and track.

George attended Hutchinson Community College and in 1958, he graduated from Emporia State Teachers College with a Masters Degree in Biology.

On January 26, 1951, he married Betty Lou Hilbert in Burrton. George was a mechanic in the US Air Force, where he was stationed at Valdosta, Ga.

George was one of the founders of Kansas Association of Teachers of Science. He was also involved in The Kansas Association of Biology Teachers, National Education Association, and the Kansas State Teachers Association. He received the Outstanding Young Men of America Award and Best Teacher Award from The National Science Teachers Association.

George taught science and biology at the former Central Junior High for more than 20 years. He also created the Camera Club, for the students to learn about photography.

George was a member of the Kansas Muzzle Loading Association and an honorary member of the DDR Muzzle Loading Club in KS. He was the historian and photographer of the club. He was referred to as "Short Hawk" from all his rendezvous friends.

Survivors include: daughters, Debra Hagen and husband Ron, Hutchinson, and Cheryl Webster and husband Ritchie, Greensburg; grandchildren, Jubal Webster, Shannon Webster, and Jenni Hagan; great-grandson, James Bether; step-grandchildren, John and Dana Webster, Heather Bether-Pitts, and Josh Bether; step great-grandchildren, Matthew Alstatt, and Maddie, Kaeci, Zak, and Bailey; and an "almost brother" cousin, Jerry Reed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter, Linda Ratzlaff, and a grandson, Jason Bether.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery presiding. Friends may sign the book Monday through Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. Military honors will be conducted by the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Hutchinson Public Library Children's Department, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 North Main, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.