Eva Jean Ratzlaff, 94, of Liberal, KS, passed away on Wednesday October 21, 2026 at her home.
She was born April 26, 1932 in Hooker, OK to Guy Marcus and Eva Hazel (Schriner) Daniels.
Jean grew up on a small farm outside of Hooker; she was the youngest of nine children. She moved to Liberal as a young adult and began to work at a local store. Jean quickly proved herself to be energetic and a good employee who was a self starter. She later worked as a telephone operator at Bell Telephone in Liberal. In the early ’60s, she began working as a bookeeper at the Beef Mart, a butcher shop owned by Gene Franz for whom she continued to work as his businesses grew. When Mr. Franz began a cattle feeding business, Morea Liquid Feed, Jean asked to work from a home office, which put her in a unique position to be a working woman and a homemaker in her home for many years. When Mr. Franz established Supreme Feeders, Jean worked at the facility in a managerial position until becoming a grain merchandiser for Cimarron Grain, built by Gene and his son Alan.
After retiring in the early 90’s, Jean traveled often, played bridge, and entertained in her new home with a swimming pool where many large family gatherings took place as well as many holidays and birthday celebrations. The family had several August birthday gatherings to celebrate with a picnic and hours of swimming. Jean made the job of a hostess look effortless with her energy, love of people, and creative ideas for celebrations whether big or small. Jean also enjoyed celebrating Christmas and creating many enchanting memories surrounded by her friends & family.
Jean had her own style, and that style was named, BUSY. When one started the day at Jean’s house, lights were on, the washer and dryer were running, and breakfast was being cooked. She added zest to her home and neighborhood by being ready to try new things. Although from humble beginnings, Jean built a lifestyle of fun, warmth, laughter and unexpected details during family gatherings. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Liberal.
She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Gerstenkorn of Spring Hill, KS; granddaughter, Nicci Kelly and her sons lan, Isaiah, and Isaac of Greenbrier AR; granddaughter, Kati Voeller, her husband Kevin and her daughter Halle Sewell.
Jean was preceded in death by her eight siblings, son, Marvin Ratzlaff, son-in-law, David Gerstenkorn, and Nicci’s husband, Kevin Kelly.
Per Jean’s wishes, there will be no viewing and cremation has taken place.
A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Liberal City Cemetery.
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