It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Ratzlaff of Linden, AB on Saturday May 21, at the age of 89 years. Ruth is survived by her five sons Douglas (Cheryl), Michael (Donna Lynn), Kurt (Helena), Peter (Shirl) and Robert (Jennifer); fourteen grandchildren Luke (Ceara), Holly, Trent, Scott, Janelle (Cody), Kelsey (Dylan), Joel (Sydney), Andrea, Rodney, Tyler, Matthew, Miranda, Margo and Natalie; and great-grandchildren Jaydynn and Carter. Ruth is also survived by her sister Erma (Jake) Klassen; brothers Wes Toews, Gerry (Lorraine) Toews and Allen (Marge) Toews; and sister-in-law Anne Toews. Ruth was predeceased by her parents Cornelius (C.C.) and Anna Toews; her sisters Gladys Isaac and Eleanor Dueck; sisters-in-law Christine Toews and Clara Toews; her brothers Henry Toews and Fred Toews; and great-granddaughter Hannah Rae Ratzlaff. Ruth was born and raised on the CC Toews family farm north of Linden, Alberta. The sixth of nine children she had the joys, security, and challenges of being in the middle of a large vibrant family. She went to elementary school at the Antler School and then started high school in Coaldale and ended up finishing high school in Acme, Alberta. After graduating she attended Berean Bible school in Calgary and worked as a bank clerk. In 1954 Ruth married Lloyd at the Mennonite Brethren church in Linden. In the early years of their marriage, while Lloyd was completing his education and first working as a teacher, Ruth and Lloyd lived in many places throughout Alberta; Massinasin, Torrington, Seven Persons, Linden, and Three Hills. Ruth made many great friends in all these communities, but she was very happy when they settled on the Ratzlaff farm north of Linden and she could be close to her family again. Ruth kept busy in these years raising the five boys, curling, gardening, quilting, helping out on the farm, and being a wonderful partner to Lloyd. After Lloyd retired, Ruth and Lloyd did some travelling, trips that were mostly focused on visiting friends and family to reconnect or build new bonds of friendship. Ruth was an amazing hostess welcoming everyone in for conversation and a cup of coffee, always making everyone feel at home. She was a great supporter of her boys in whatever endeavours they chose, and as their families grew, she also extended her love and support to their wives, children and grandchildren. The family would like to extend their thanks to the Westview Care Community for truly caring for Ruth in these last years. Viewing 10:00 am - 11:00 am Friday, May 27, 2022 Linden Mennonite Brethren Church Centre Street North Linden, Alberta, Canada T0M 1J0 Funeral Service 11:00 am Friday, May 27, 2022 Linden Mennonite Brethren Church Centre Street North Linden, Alberta, Canada T0M 1J0 Interment 12:30 pm Friday, May 27, 2022 Linden Cemetery Adjacent Church Linden, Alberta, Canada Reception A reception will take place at the Linden Mennonite Brethren Church directly following the Interment Service.