Edward Martin Ratvasky

Edward Martin Ratvasky, 80, of 1288 Five Points Road, Edinburg, Pulaski Township, died the night of May 17, 2008, in Haven Convalescent Home.Born Feb. 12, 1928, in Hibbs, Fayette County, he was a son of the late John and Alice Braho Ratvasky.He was married to the former Martha J. Miller. She survives.Mr. Ratvasky was a self-employed lifetime dairy farmer.He attended No. 5 School in Pulaski Township.Mr. Ratvasky was a member of Mahoning Valley Grange.In 1972, he was named Farmer of the Year for the Lawrence County Conservation District. He loved growing crops, polka music, visiting SNPJ and nature.Family was very important to him and he considered himself a steward of God’s creation.Mr. Ratvasky was a member of Nashua Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Edinburg.In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Connie Ratvasky, at home; two sons, John E. Ratvasky of Edinburg and Robert J. Ratvasky of Mifflintown, Pa.; three brothers, William Ratvasky of North Olmsted, Ohio, and Harry Ratvasky and Richard Ratvasky, both of Edinburg; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul G. Ratvasky.Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. tomorrow at the Smith Funeral Home, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington.A service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The Rev. Steve Miller, pastor of Nashua Orthodox Presbyterian Church, will officiate.Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, New Bedford.Memorial contributions may be made to Nashua Orthodox Presbyterian Church, State Route 551, Edinburg 16116.Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/ncnewsonline/Obituaries.asp.