Arlene Ratzlaff Engle

Arlene Mae Ratzlaff Engle, a longtime resident of Lamar, Missouri, departed this life on Monday, January 19, 2009 at Christian Health Care in Nevada, Missouri.        Arlene entered this life on February 3, 1914 in Stafford County, Kansas, daughter of Joseph Andrew and Susie Lewis.  She was raised in western Kansas.  Working to pay her way, she graduated from the Dodge City High School.        Walter Ratzlaff, first seeing her at her parents home near Cimmaron, Kansas, visibly struck by her good looks and vitality, courted her vigorously.  They were united in marriage in 1934, to this union one son and one daughter were born. She often told stories of the Dust Bowl in western Kansas which she and Walter had to endure. She was a hardworking and devoted homemaker to her husband and family.        Arlene accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior early in her life.  Later, she became an active member of the Lamar Nazarene Church, teaching Sunday School, leading the singing, playing the piano and worshipping her Lord.  Teaching the children about her Savior was most important to her and she spent many hours of study and thought on the lessons, making sure her message was delivered and accepted in a humble, thoughtful and inspiring manner.        After Walter’s death in 1972, she married Samuel “Sam” Engle who passed away in 1999.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters.        Arlene is survived by her son, Gary  and wife Sue Ratzlaff of Lamar; her daughter Marsha Harkrader of Appleton City, Missouri; four grandchildren, Sherri Pickering of Lone Jack, Missouri, Michael Ratzlaff of Seattle, Washington, Michele Harkrader of Appleton City, Missouri, and Brett & Stacie Harkrader of Appleton City, Missouri; and three great-grandchildren, Nathan and Hunter Pickering, and Hallie Harkrader.        Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 22nd, at Daniel Funeral Home with burial in Lake Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Daniel Funeral Home.        The obituary may be viewed and condolences sent @ danielfuneralhome.net