Barney Ratzlaff

December 1, 1924 - October 29, 2019

Barney Ratzlaff, 94, was called home on October 29, 2019 with his family by his side in Tahlequah, Ok. He was born December 1, 1924 in Corn, Ok to Aaron and Anne Ratzlaff. His father owned the Corn Cash Grocery Store and his mother helped in the store while raising seven children. He served in the US Navy during WW II as a Quartermaster 3rd Class on the San Juan from 1943-1946. His ship was involved in the repatriation of prisoners of war back to the United States. After returning to the states he married the love of his life Saloma Reimer. They were married for 73 years. He attended several colleges and received a degree in education. He taught school at Corn High School and Corn Bible Academy. He also taught in Garber, Talala and Tulsa. In his later years in education, he was an elementary school counselor. His interests were playing tennis and sports with his children, fishing and camping with his family in New Mexico and Colorado, and Ratzlaff campouts each summer. He loved singing and was the music director at Parkside MB church for 19 years. He collected watches and pocket knives which he loved to show to people when they came to visit. He is survived by his wife Saloma, son Ronald and his wife Brenda, daughter Susan, Grandson Sean and wife Marla and sons, Nathan, Matthew and Kaare, Granddaughter Robyn and her children, Taylor and Julia, two sisters Arlene Flaming and Bertha Pauls as well as many extended family members and loved ones. Donations may be sent, in lieu of flowers, to Go Ye Village in Tahlequah, Ok. for the roofing fund, where Saloma will continue to live.