Kathy Ratzlaff

Kathleen Copeland Ratzlaff, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Kathy was born on October 1, 1937, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Dodge City, Kansas, to Thomas Copeland and Madeleine Houser. She was raised alongside her brothers Herb, LeRoy, and John Copeland, who preceded her in death.

A proud graduate of Dodge City High School, Class of 1955, Kathy married the love of her life, H.A. Ratzlaff, on August 29, 1955, in Minneola, Kansas. Their early years together were filled with adventure, often traveling across western Kansas to racetracks to enjoy modified cars, sprint cars, and motorcycle races. Kathy began her professional career at JCPenney, where she served with dedication as a bookkeeper, office manager, and in various administrative roles always taking great pride in her work. In 1978, she and H.A. moved to Limon, Colorado, where they owned and operated Vermillion Building Center, a family business they managed with care and commitment until 1989. Following that chapter, Kathy worked at the Fireside Restaurant as a bookkeeper and later became the bookkeeper at First National Bank of Limon, where she remained until her retirement in 2010.

Kathy's life was full of grace, love, and laughter. She was known for her impeccable style-always dressed in a coordinated outfit with matching shoes, earrings, and makeup. Her love for shopping, purses, and shoes was only rivaled by her love for her family.

She was a true sports fan, cheering faithfully for the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rockies and watching NASCAR. Multiple game shows were a favorite pastime, especially Wheel of Fortune, and she found delight in crossword puzzles, trivia, classic movies, with Mary Poppins holding a special place in her heart.

But above all, Kathy cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She stayed closely connected to her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives, taking immense joy in watching them grow. She was their greatest cheerleader and a constant source of unconditional love.

A woman of deep faith, Kathy loved Jesus and faithfully prayed for her family every day. Her legacy of kindness, style, strength, and spiritual devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, H.A. Ratzlaff; son, David Ratzlaff; mother Madeline Fleming, father, Thomas Houser, step-father Earl Fleming and her brothers. She is survived by her son Doug (JoAnn) Ratzlaff, daughter Teresa (Richard) Becker, and her beloved five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson, and also many nieces, nephews and loved family members.

Kathy leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories both big and small —that will live on in each of us. May we remember her through life's simple joys, even something as sweet as that evening sip of Pepsi. Her life was a true gift to all who knew her, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing.

Memorial Contributions

Aspen Leaf Assisted Living

2050 6th Street

Limon, Colorado 80828

Lincoln Health Home Health and Hospice

P.O. Box 248

Hugo, Colorado 80821