Carolyn Sue Ratzlaff

Carolyn Sue Ratzlaff died January 28th, 2023, in Fullerton, CA at the age of 84 surrounded by her family. Carolyn was born on June 12, 1938, in Tonkawa, OK. Spending the early years of her life on her Uncle's Dairy farm in Arkansas City, KS, she developed the love for learning and animals that continued throughout her life. Her family moved to Conrad, MT in 1950 where she attended high school. Attending Northern Montana College in Havre, MT, she earned a double major in Physical Science and Biological Science, graduating with honors.

She met her husband Don while in college and they married upon graduation. They moved to California in 1960 where she was hired as a chemist by Autonetics. During the subsequent years she and Don raised their 3 children in Fullerton. In the 70's she started a new career earning her teaching credentials at Cal State Fullerton.

Carolyn taught science at Parks Jr. High in Fullerton, CA from 1977 until retiring in 1998. A science teacher to the end; she never missed an opportunity to hold an impromptu lesson on Chemistry and a myriad of other science fields. During this time she became a volunteer leader for the Fullerton 4-H Club, Feeders, Breeders and Seeders and led the 4-H wildlife group for years. In retirement, she would often encounter ex-students all over the country.

In the 70's and in the 80's she found her true passion and volunteered at the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon. Here her love for science and animals really shined as she helped with the raptors, becoming a raptor rehab specialist.

In retirement she found a love of old cars and joined the Orange County Model A Ford Club with Don. She loved driving their Tudor and honking the OOGAH horn at every opportunity.

She is survived by her husband Don; her three children Dana Pikula of Rosehill, KS, Corie Amsden of Maple Valley, WA and Wade Ratzlaff of Santa Clarita, CA; her sister Joy Pankey of Savannah, GA and her brother Bruce Grove of Edmonds, OK, her six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her twin sister Marilyn Menghini of Missoula, MT.

A memorial is being planned for the June 10, 2023 at the First Christian Church of Orange, CA

In lieu of flowers, mourners are asked to send any donations to the United Service Organization, Inc.(USO) at P.O. 96860, Washington, DC; 20077-7677. Tax ID #13-1610451. Please include Carolyn's name in the memo.