Roy Ratzlaff

    On Friday, August 18, 2023, our Daddy, Roy Ratzlaff was reunited with our Momma, his soulmate Pearl.       
    He passed away at The Delaney in Georgetown, Texas. His son and three daughters were able to be with him as he ended his physical journey of almost 90 years, and began his spiritual journey.
    Daddy was born on September 8, 1933 in Colony, Oklahoma to Marie and Henry Ratzlaff. He was raised in Clinton, Oklahoma with his sister and brothers. On September 1, 1950, he enlisted for combat in the Korean War. He served as a corporal in the United States Army. He was cited for meritorious service from December 27, 1951 to May 5, 1952. He received the award of the commendation ribbon with metal pendant for being instrumental in the operation of a makeshift switchboard and in the maintenance of the facilities. 
    He received a discharge from the army on January 31, 1953.
    After he returned to Oklahoma, he met Pearl at the local pharmacy, and asked if he could join her at the movies. They fell in love and were married on August 21,1955 at the Arapaho Methodist Church in Oklahoma. To celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, Daddy and Momma renewed their vows and love before Reverend Paulette Williams Magnuson of the Episcopal Diocese, and rejoiced with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and friends in Austin on August 22, 2015.
    Momma passed away a month before their 65th wedding anniversary on July 4, 2020.
    Their great love produced 4 children who adored them, Beverly, Curtis, Rhonda, and Jennifer.
    After moving from Oklahoma to Texas, Momma and Daddy settled in Texas, and made a home in Lamesa for 30 years.
    Daddy was a printer, working most of his career at Lamesa Printing, Inc with Patricia and Frank Smith.  After moving to Austin with Momma in 1994, he worked at Burrell Printing. He retired in 2009, and spent several years attending the YMCA with Momma.
    Our Daddy was larger than life. We looked up to him. He was unique, kind, loving, gentle, honorable, proud, talented, independent, strong, funny, and clever. He was a devoted
dad and he gave us many gifts. He taught us to love regardless of race, gender, or anything else. He taught us to love all animals and creatures. He encouraged all of our interests and
talents. He taught us to love exercise. He cycled, ran, and practiced yoga. These were the best times that we did with him. Even now, his 4 children (and yep, we are all in our 60s) still find our peace and appreciation for life by jogging, walking, or bicycling. These legacies are
valued, and we are grateful to our Daddy. He was a participant in the Capitol 10K races in Austin. He received a finishers medal for the Backpack Friends Glow Run 5K race on September 24, 2022. He was 89 years old at the time of the race.
    Daddy was very talented and taught himself how to play the guitar at a young age. He also sang and played the keyboard. He and Momma were a musical team. They both wrote out songs they heard and wanted to play or sing, and recreated the songs in their own style. He and Momma performed music together for many years, as a couple or with a small group called The Artistics. They entertained local and surrounding audiences at new car shows, the senior citizens center, and the veterans’ hospital. Daddy possessed the amazing ability to name a song, the singer, songwriter, date, history, and any other piece of trivia. He was able to collect an impressive library of music in his lifetime. Daddy’s singing voice rivaled Johnny Cash, and he played the guitar like Chet Atkins. Thanks to him, we had a home filled with music and melody.
    Daddy was a wine and yogurt maker. He was a fan of jazz music, and he and Momma were members of the jazz club, and attended various concerts, music events, and plays. He enjoyed movies, books, and eating out at Serrano’s, Jason’s Deli, Olive Garden, and Cracker Barrell.
    Daddy had a booming and deep voice, and he captured people’s attention. He never knew a stranger. He could talk to the wall.
    He was stubborn, a bit of a rebel, but he had a credo to work hard, love hard, think hard, play soft (that last one is thanks to his loving wife, Pearl).
    Daddy was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl, parents Marie and Henry, brothers Arnold (Curly) and Art, sisters Sylvia and Goldie Ruth, grandsons Erik and David, and great
grandson Austin Cade. He was always surrounded by a menagerie of animals, and he said that his most beloved dog Dawson and cat Cleo would be there to greet him.
    Daddy is survived by his children Beverly and George of Georgetown, Curtis and Hannah of Austin, Rhonda and Kevin of Lamesa, and Jennifer and Gary of Midland.
    Daddy loved hearing about or talking to his grandchildren Lila, Jordyn, April and Josh, Roy and Alex, Richard and Felicia, Cody and Leslie, and Courtney and Greg. And he was always impressed    by his great grandchildren Aiden and Alyssa, Avery and Ella, Mary Louise, Rowen, Holland, and Harper, Kyler and Kollyns, and Emalee and Michael.       
    Daddy is also survived by his younger brother Kenny and wife Pearline.
    A celebration of life for Daddy and Momma is being scheduled for a later date. The family is very thankful to Hospice Austin for the incredible care they gave to Daddy, and for the support and counseling to us. Donations can be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood
Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78759; or to a charity of your choice.

– Press-Reporter obituary services