Frances A. Ratzlaff, 96 years, 2 months, and 4 days., of Highmore, passed away Friday, May 29, 2020 at Highmore Health. She is now at home with her Lord. Due to the current threat of the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions, a private graveside service will be held Thursday, June 4, 2020 at the Highmore Cemetery with Pastor Sheena Thomson officiating. Frances Anna (Brown) Ratzlaff was born March 25, 1924, at Armour, SD, to Arthur W and Mabel (Tuller) Brown. Following her father's death when she was seven years old, Frances moved with her family to Michigan, where she grew up. She gave her heart to the Lord at the Barryton Church of God when she was twelve years old. She attended elementary and high school at Fork Township Agricultural School in Barryton, MI, graduating in 1942 as Valedictorian of her senior class. Frances attended Anderson University, Anderson, IN, where she graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Theology degree, with a major in Christian Education. She then taught Religious Education to fifth graders in Anderson for three years. Since religious education was such a controversial issue in the US Supreme Court at this time, she decided to pursue a degree in elementary education. While at college, she met Orville Ratzlaff, whom she married in 1952. To this union, two daughters were born: Anita Louise and Faith Ann. While her daughters were young, Frances continued her education through night classes offered at Ball State Teachers' College, Muncie, IN and Indiana State University. In 1973, she had finally completed enough hours to earn a BA degree with a major in Elementary Education from Huron College. Frances then taught school for 20 years, 16 of which were on the Crow Creek Reservation at Ft. Thompson, SD. She also helped her husband on their farm south of Highmore, following their move there in 1967. Together they created a beautiful farm from nothing, and then starting over after losing their home to a fire in 1983. Frances was a strong woman strong in character and strong in faith. She attended Grace Bible Church in Highmore, where she was involved in both children's and women's ministry for many years. She was a great encourager to many people. In addition to being an excellent hostess, Frances was a great storyteller; her detailed accounts of events were often mixed in with infectious laughter. Her interests were many reading, sewing, gardening, canning, growing flowers, and crafting. Frances was a dedicated caregiver to Orville's sisters, helping them in many and varied ways. At age 80, Frances herself had major heart surgery, and fought her way back, again showing her determination and strength of will. She had times of fun, and on occasion, times of frustration with the many "grandpups" and "grandkitties" that joined her household; as she said, all her "grandchildren" had four feet. Grateful for the privilege of sharing her life are her two daughters: Anita Louise Ratzlaff of Highmore and Faith Ann (Kim) Ruhl of Ada, OK; one brother-in-law, Sidney Ratzlaff of Boise ID; sister-in-law, Grace Selent-Ratzlaff, widow of Leslie Ratzlaff, of Lake Wales FL; sister-in-law, Rena Ratzlaff, widow of Leroy Ratzlaff, of Highmore; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville; her parents; two sisters: Florence Newton and Goldie Harper; and three brothers: Joseph, Tom, and Glen Brown Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Frances' arrangements.