Mildred Mary Ratoza

Mildred was born on July 15, 1923 in Portland, OR, to Frank and Cecilia Maras. Her first home was in northwest Portland and Couch St where her parents owned a hotel and tavern. Her earliest memories were of riding her tricycle around the block in that neighborhood and helping herself to fruit from the local outdoor market. Mildred had an older sister Kathryn, who was born in Croatia just before her parents emigrated to the United States. She also had an older brother, Nicholas who died in infancy. Mildred's younger brother, Nicholas was born a year and a half later and completed their family. Her early grade school years began at the Cathedral grade school, because it was within walking distance. Her family moved to NE Columbia Blvd at NE 63rd Ave in a house that her father built. From this new address, her remaining grade school years were completed at Whitaker grade school, one term at Girls Poly High School, one year at Immaculata High School, and the remaining years at Cleveland High School. During the war years, she attended Oregon State College and remained a true Beaver all her life. Mildred married Olvin Ratoza on June 12, 1950. They lived in Portland all their lives, other than some brief years in Eugene and Astoria where they owned and operated their business.
Life values and lessons were an important part of family life. It was important that her family attended church and had dinners together. Hospitality was never an option. If Mildred knew that someone would be stopping by to visit, there was always an apple pie, hot out of the oven to greet guests. You never invited people into your home if you didn't have some type of tasty treat to serve. In the summertime, it could be root beer floats, a favorite of hers.
Mildred and Olvin had six children and always instilled her belief that education was important. She was very proud of her children and their life choices. When she became a grandmother, life was even better. She could hardly believe her good luck when the great grandchildren were born. At any family gathering, she usually was holding a baby or reading to a toddler. The youngest great grandchildren were always so happy to serve her lunch or do something to help her. They were curious about why she used a walker, after breaking a leg, but thought it was normal and pretty cool.
After a long and busy life, Mildred passed on October 10, 2025. She is survived by six children: Michael (Julia), Cecelia (Glenn), Jeanne (Dennis), Mark, Paula and Antoinette. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Andrew (Madeline), Kyle (Ali), Catherine, Teresa (Evan), Christopher (Elizabeth), Brittany (Justin), Daniela, Gina and Andrea; and eleven great-grandchildren: Conrad, Parker, Theo, Chase, Avalyn, Elise, William, Caroline, Vivianna, Valentina, and Luca.
God bless you Mom. We love you always.
Recitation of the rosary will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 7:00pm at Riverview Abbey Funeral Home, 319 S Taylors Ferry Rd, Portland
Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 9:00am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 375 NE Clackamas St, Portland
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