Viola Selma Ratzlaff

Viola died after multiple health challenges since January 1 this year, entering hospital four times - more than her body could handle. She is now in her heavenly home with the Lord Jesus whom she loved and served. Vi was born in Herbert, Sask. to Jacob and Elisabeth Doerksen, the sixth of eight children. She was predeceased by her son Greg 7 years ago, and by her sisters, Rosella, Lillian, Mabel, Orlean and Sylvia, and brother, Samuel. She is survived by her husband, Harold, son Chuck (Jane) and their children, Brendan and Devon, son Doug (Lesley) and their children, Cameron and Nicole, and by her brother John. From her youth Vi dreamt of being a school teacher; an effective one she became, teaching Elementary School in Nakusp, Stave Falls and Vancouver. Early in her career she taught Junior High at M.E.I. for three years. Vi was active in every church she attended teaching Sunday school, directing two girls' choirs in her premarital days, and serving on the deaconate with her husband. A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 5, at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 6, at 1:30 pm in the Bakerview MB Church, 2285 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC. A family graveside service will take place on Monday, March 6, at the Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery in Abbotsford. A special thanks to the caregivers at Menno Home. Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, BC Office, 33933 Gladys Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2E8 (604) 850-6639 or online (www.mcccentre.ca)

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Abbotsford, BC.