SOUTH HUTCHINSON - Ray E. Ratzlaff, 83, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson.

He was born March 19, 1926, at Buhler, to John K. and Sarah Regier Ratzlaff.

He was a 1944 graduate of Buhler High School. He served as a clerk in the U.S. Army Medical Corp, stationed in Calcutta, India. He retired as manager from Kingsley Wagner Auto Supply in 1991.

He belonged to First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, Double Circle Sunday school class and Lions Club.

On Oct. 19, 1946, he married Betty M. Wall at Buhler Mennonite Church. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Ronald, Hutchinson; two brothers, LaVerne, Westminster, Calif., Merle, Santa Ana, Calif.; a sister, Thelma Smith, Hesston; three grandchildren, Anthony Bauder, Ronda and Tiffany; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three infant children and a daughter, Kay Ratzlaff.

Cremation has taken place. An inurnment service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, in Buhler Cemetery, Buhler, with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Mark Conard presiding. Friends may sign his book 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 5 and 6, 2010, with the family present from 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 6, 2010, all at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorial gifts may be made to the church, in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave his family a personal condolence.