Irene G. Younkman 82, died Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Asbury Park in Newton, Kansas. She was born August 30, 1931 in Newton, Kansas to Arnold and Dorothy (Steele) Younkman. She married John R. Ratzlaff on September 11, 1949 and he preceded her in death on December 28, 2013. She was a 1949 graduate of Newton High School and served as editor of the school newspaper. Irene was an active supporter of Democratic politics and served as past president of the Women’s Democratic Association. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her pets on the farm. Irene enjoyed the company of her many friends. She was good mom to her two grown boys who will miss her greatly.
She is survived by two sons: John Younkman and his wife Susan of Pratt, Kansas and Karl Younkman of Wellington, Kansas; one brother Carl Walter of Rogers, AR and one sister Evelyn Jones of Holton, KS. She has 3 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Irene is preceded in death by her parents.
A gathering of remembrance will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday evening with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home. Private family burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Petersen Funeral Home 215 North Main Newton, Kansas 67114