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Stephanie Ratajczyk Obituary

SCHELLER -- Stephanie Marie Ratajczyk, 23, passed away at 2:40 a.m. Sunday, May 29, 2011, from an auto accident at O'Fallon.

She was a member of St. Barbara Catholic Church in Scheller.

She was born Aug. 5, 1987, in Carbondale, the daughter of Gregory D. and Cathy L. (Knapp) Ratajczyk.

She is survived by her father, Gregory Ratajczyk and Anna Vancil of Scheller; brother, Jeremy Ratajczyk of Schellerl; niece, Maressa Ratajczyk; and nephew, Adrian Ratajczyk, both of Christopher; maternal grandmother, Eugenia Knapp of Tamaroa, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother; maternal grandfather, Lawrence Knapp, and paternal grandparents, Edward and Theresa Ratajczyk.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 2, 2011, in St. Barbara Catholic Church in Scheller, with Father Jean-Marie Mondji officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa. The rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Barbara Cemetery in Scheller.

Friends may make memorials to St. Barbara Church or Cemetery and they will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Southern Illinoisan from May 31 to Jun. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephanie Ratajczyk

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Jordan VanZandt

May 18, 2012

Baby doll its almost a year...it still hurts so much and its only getting worse. I love you so much. The short but amazing time we spent together waz not enough, but I will never ever forget you girl. I love you so much.

Chris Loyet

June 8, 2011

I am the fiance of the other driver involved in the accident. It hurt both of our hearts very deeply to hear that she had passed. I have no idea gods reasoning behind this one. Our hearts and prayers are with your family and friends forever.

Leonard Toenjes

June 5, 2011

She had a wonderful personality and was always working to please everyone she met. During the time she worked at AGC of St. Louis, she took on every assignment cheerfully. She will be missed by everyone who knew here even for a short while.

Cindy Caldwell

June 2, 2011

Stephanie was a student in my math class. She was a great student and a fun-loving person. It is definitely sad to lose such a wonderful young lady. My utmost condolence to Stephanie's family and friends.

Nikki

June 2, 2011

Stephanie was the sweetest girls anyone will ever meet. It didn't matter if she knew you for years or five minutes, she treated both the same. Prayers go out to her family and closest friends at this time.

Angie Jilek

June 2, 2011

I have never lost a former student before. It is heartache. Stephanie, honey, what a beautiful person you were. You treated everyone with compassion and a smile. When I think of you, I see that smile of yours and have a peace about me. God bless you and He blessed us for allowing us to borrow you this short amount of time.

TJ Whitecotton

June 1, 2011

You were an amazing person and you will be missed greatly.

Sarah Powell

June 1, 2011

Stephanie was such an energetic, sweet, and positive person. I will miss her so much.

Joe & Sara Lombardo

June 1, 2011

Stephanie, we will miss you. You always had kind words and a smile. You were a wonderful friend/cousin/roommate to Hollie and Dora.

AGC Event Stephanie helped coordinate

Stacey Madsen

June 1, 2011

I had the privaledge of meeting Stephanie during her quick stint with AGC of St. Louis. Immediately I found that she was an easy person to talk to, always happy, and was so kind. My thoughts are with her family at this time.

KAREN DAWSON

June 1, 2011

Stephanie you meant so much to my Amy and she loved you dearly. I know that you were beyond special and that you will be missed more than you know. God will watch over you now and you will have peace. My heart goes out to all those who loved you. Karen Dawson

Brianna Owens

June 1, 2011

I worked with Stephanie and we hung out a few times but i didnt know her all that well, but from what i did know she was one of the kindest, sweetest people you will ever meet. She went out of her way to be nice to everyone. She had a gorgeous smile that could light up a room and i know that she wil be greatly missed by many.

Tony Mossa

May 31, 2011

Stephanie you will be missed but always remembered by me and our family. It was a pleasure to know such a nice lady in our short time here on earth.

Abby Newell

May 31, 2011

Stephanie has been in my life and my daughters lives since she was 5. When her mother passed, Steph became part of my family. She was a joy to have in my home and my life is better for knowing such a loving, caring person. She always thought of others first.
Her smiling face and loving heart will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Abby

Leah Roeder

May 31, 2011

<3

Ernie & Sherry Schmidt

May 31, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers to Stephanie's family and friends.

Amy Kelly

May 31, 2011

We were so lucky that our daughters met Stephanie and introduced her to our family. We loved her like one of our own. Stephanie you will be greatly missed but we know that your beauty and kindness will live on through angels wings and shine on us. Your smile was just like a rainbow so bright and beautiful and each time we see a rainbow we will know that is you smiling down on us. We love you dearly, The Kelly Family and Brandi and David Tennyson.

Lacey Webb

May 31, 2011

Rest in Peace, Stephanie. You will be missed.

Lacey Webb

May 31, 2011

Stephanie, You will be missed dearly. Your such a beautiful person over all; Rest in peace.

Lindsey Leyes

May 31, 2011

I have known Stephanie for my whole life, but was extremely lucky to call her a friend for the last few years. I will remember all the good memories we had together and cherish them forever. We had so many common interests and tastes. She helped me pick out my home decor and we definitely had fun doing it. Everytime I look at it, I will remember her. She was the most sweetest, loving person and will be missed every day. Love you Steph~!!

Dear sweet Steph

Andrea Harris

May 30, 2011

Stephanie, how mom and I will miss you so terribly bad!!! Bingo will never be the same without you!!! Rest in peace my dear dear friend!!

Lynn Hutchison

May 30, 2011

People like Stephanie are few and far between. Very seldom do you meet someone in a lifetime who has an authentic sense of kindness like hers. I rarely saw her after high school but when I did, it was like time had never passed and she always made a point to say hello and stop to talk for a while. My prayers go out to all of Stephanie's friends and family. Such a beautiful person inside and out is sure to be missed by many and will never be forgotten.

whitney nance

May 30, 2011

my thoughts and prayers are with the family of Stephanie..another young life taken too soon. god bless

Stacie McCowen

May 30, 2011

I never had the privledge to truely get to know Stephanie but everytime I saw her she was always smiling and made a point to say hello. She genuinely had a bright light that shined through to anyone that had the pleasure to share her company. Many prayers to her friends and family she was a beautiful girl.

Marci Kash

May 30, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanies family. Find peace within knowing she touched many lifes with her charming personality, beautiful smile, and the way she lite up a room whenever she walked in. She will be greatly missed.

Michael Biesk

May 30, 2011

Stephanie, your time on this earth was short, but your memory will last forever .. .

Anne Thomure

May 30, 2011

I had the privilege recently of meeting Stephanie - a bright, talented and beautiful young woman. . .my thoughts and prayers are with you. . .

Jennifer Stewart

May 29, 2011

Stephanie You were one of the sweetest girls i have ever met in my life! No matter what you ALWAYS has a smile on your face!!! You will be greatly missed
RIP

e frisch

May 29, 2011

I always told steph she was the last good girl that I knew. When the rest of the world booed, she was always there to make me smile. As one of our favorite songs said "I miss you already" I ended every txtversation with you the same way, & ill do so here, "keep smiling,.. love you hon"

Darren Dubach

May 29, 2011

Truly one of the sweetest girls I have ever known. Very high spirited, loved life, and could easily get along with anyone. I will miss her bunches. She made me realize a lot about life and who I am as a person. Now it is time for the healing process for all of her friends and family. We will take it day by day and remember her how she would want us to remember her by.

John Kubiak

May 29, 2011

Stephanie could always put a smile on my face no matter what was wrong with me. She always knew what to say to cheer me up. When no one else was around she was there for me.I will never forget the moments we spent together. From the very first time I met her. Squeezing in the back of her car with her books and clothes as she gave me rides home from high school. To our every Tuesday lunches in Carbondale. The bike rides to the hippie shop for ice cream and glass blowing. The 45 minute detour we took because of the train just to cross the tracks and go 4 blocks. The time when I let her drive my truck and she got us stuck 5 feet later and felt horrible about it but all we did was laugh....I am going to miss her so much. As she would tell me again.."keep your head up"..I promise to you Stephanie that I will..... because I know you are looking down to check...... I love you Stephanie.....Id give anything to tell you that just one more time....

Millie Crews

May 29, 2011

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

ADAM POVOLISH

May 29, 2011

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Sarah Laur

May 29, 2011

Stehanie was such a big part in my life! We were always there for eachother thick or thin!!! It feels like im in a dream! I cant wait see her in heaven....we shall once again reunite
so much love,
Sarah

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