Rose Marie Ratts

Age: 90 • Harrisonburg, VA

Rose Marie Pace Ratts, 90, of Harrisonburg, formerly of Orlando, FL, passed away April 6, 2017 at Oak Lea, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. She was born November 1, 1926 in Ridgeway, Virginia and was the daughter of the late George A. and Lucy Crystal Pace. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Jack L. Ratts. Surviving family include a sister, Nora Ruth Pace, and brother, Dan Pace and wife, Linnie, all of Ridgeway; children, Martha K. Ross and husband, A. Jerry Benson of Harrisonburg; David M. Ratts and wife, Janlyn of Conyers, GA; Jane K. Balderson and husband, Carl of Staunton, and Jennifer M. Ratts Harrison and husband, John of Cairo, Georgia. In addition, she is survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Mikel Lauren Ratts Proulx, husband Steve and children Lila and Tatum; Olivia Ratts; Allen Balderson, wife Colleen and children Christopher and Annie; Andy Balderson, wife Caroline and son Charlie; Virginia Soenksen, Amanda Soenksen Wolcott and husband, Justin; Coleman Harrison, wife Jennifer and son, Jack; and Peyton Tyler Harrison.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Afton neighborhood caregivers who provided attentive and loving care to our mother/Nana during the last 4 years.

Rose Marie attended Ridgeway Elementary/High School, earned her BS in Education from Madison College, did post graduate work at Johns Hopkins University, Florida State University, University of Florida and earned a MAT and certification in Administration and Supervision from Rollins College. She began her teaching career at Sparrows Point High School in Baltimore, Md. and in Baltimore, she met Jack and they were married in 1949. After staying at home with young children and a move to Florida, she returned to teaching in kindergarten, then elementary school grades before taking more supervisory roles as curriculum resource teacher, principal of two schools and Director of Elementary Education for Orange County Schools. She was recognized as Outstanding Educator of the Year for Orange County in 1991, and made numerous professional presentations at local, state and national conferences. She retired in 1991 and she and Jack enjoyed national and international travel and their mountain house in Fancy Gap, Virginia.

A memorial service for both Rose Marie and Jack Ratts will be held at a future date in Ridgeway and burial will be at the Pace Family Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the VMRC Foundation, Woodland Building Fund, 1501 Virginia Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

Condolences can be shared at www.kygers.com.

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Published by The News Leader from Apr. 7 to Apr. 10, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Rose Ratts

Sponsored by Kyger Funeral Home - Harrisonburg.

5 Entries

Laura Bartnick

October 27, 2017

Dear Ratts Family,

Joseph Bartnick was just talking about Jack and Rose, and also how Jack's son is a duplicate of him this morning. He is almost 101. We celebrated with the entire neighborhood this year, January 4th for the big one. Joe and his wife considered your parents their best friends. He has all kinds of good memories and thoughts about Martin, about the farm handed down from the Civil War, about the vacation cottage, and about their visit (where I got sick on champagne) to Colorado. We have written his memories into a highly awarded book and audiobook now, called Mister B: Living with a 98-Year-Old Rocket Scientist. He is telling me as I type this, that the Ratts family "are people you can trust." I'll never forget the day he received your letter about your father's passing. He feels very alone now, but for us living with him and making him "feel young". The book is under the pen name, Byk. Please accept our continued respect and Joe's affection.

Karen Bush

April 8, 2017

So sorry for your loss. I remember Rose Marie when I work at VMRC Dinning on Afton. She was a sweet lady and she will be missed dearly.Prayers being sent to the family. God has gain beautiful angel.

April 8, 2017

Dear Ruth, I saw your sister's obituary in our local newspaper and I just wanted to send Freddie and my sympathy to you. We always thought that you were one of the finest people that we knew. We are glad to know that you are doing okay!!!
Our best wishes to you and that your health is good!!!

With love, Freddie and Forrest Frazier

KELLEY

April 8, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOUR FAMILY A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

Connie Derrer

April 8, 2017

Martha , Jane and all the Ratts family. Wanted to let you know that your in my thoughts and prayers. I so enjoyed getting to know your mom and dad and taking care of your mom on Afton neighborhood.

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