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March 5, 2023 – today was the day. _e day we prayed for, yet the day we knew would sadden us to the core. At least it was a day full of sunshine – her favorite! Born in Toledo, Ohio on December 8, 1929, she was the daughter of a Swiss immigrant. She spent her youth in Brandywine, Maryland with older brother, Alfred, and younger sister Aileen. She met her forever love on a blind date there. He was in the Air Force; they raised six children and traveled to places many only dream of.
Upon retirement aer proudly serving 20 years, they settled in a tiny community to establish the town of Beaver, Arkansas. Today that town boasts of an amazing campground and the infamous Beaver Bridge aka the Little Golden Gate Bridge they fought so hard to preserve. She was an amazing cook. Her spaghetti sauce was always in demand and if you were lucky enough to get a jar of it you knew you scored big time! Her skills as a seamstress were sought aer when they bought Wardrobe Cleaners in Eureka Springs on Spring Street in 1971. She always loved Jesus as did her husband. _eir family was in church wherever they lived. She taught Sunday school for many years. Her students still talk about her today. Her forever love, John Russell Ratli le to be with Jesus on April 18, 2013. _ey were married for 65 years. How she longed to be with him. _at bittersweet day has come; her prayers have been answered. Praise the Lord! Let the celebration begin, they have been reunited! Joining in the celebration will be their grandson, Dalton Johnson and sonin- law, Tom Marler.
When John le, her two cats, Blondie and Prissy, were her reason for living and were right beside her when she le for Heaven. _ey will be well cared for.
Le to carry on their legacy are six children, Debbie (Butch) Willbanks, John “JR” (Robyn) Ratli Mary (Jose) Galindo, Patty Marler, Cindy Tjeerdema (partner Sherl Gunnels), Tina Johnson (_ancé Tommy Taylor), extended family, Nitz (Kim) Eiler; 11 grandchildren, Chris (Wende) Willbanks, Somer (Jim) Adams, Shaun (Michelle) Ratli Matthew (Natasha) Ratli John Carl (Michelle) Ambrose, Ryan (Mary) Ambrose, Crystal (Douglas) Arimura, Rocky Hall, Misty Johnson (Heath) Forgey, Nick and Chris Eiler; 26 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
Unfortunately, we’ve been unable to decide on a date for her memorial service. _at information will be released as soon as it’s available. _e family requests in lieu of _owers memorial donations be made to American Legion Post #9, c/o Charles Welch, 19 E. Center Road, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, or Holiday Island Baptist Church, 14 Stateline Drive, Holiday Island, AR 72631. Cremation arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com.
