Mary Ratzlaff

Mary Margaret Velo was born to Floyd and Theresa (Braun) Velo on May 3rd, 1954 in Crosby, ND. She attended school in Columbus, ND, graduating in 1973, afterwards attending college at NDSSS in Wahpeton, ND for two years. Mary was united in marriage to James Ratzlaff at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Valley City, ND on Oct 25th 1975. She began working at Pamida, and later at 3M, Imation, and presently at ComDel and Heartland Precision, all in Wahpeton.

Among Mary's interests were riding bicycle, gardening, exercising, crocheting, quilting, and numerous other crafts. She was known for crocheting family names and gifting them to friends, family, and co-workers. At last count, she created and gave away over 200 of these pieces, along with many other afghan blankets and quilts.

Mary was a tough fighter against cancer. Each time it returned she fought back with renewed vigor, and remained optimistic throughout. Her warm and caring heart affected all who met her, and her family was very dear to her.

Mary is survived by husband Jim (Wahpeton, ND), son Michael (Fargo, ND), daughter Amy and grandson Keeghan (Wahpeton, ND), mother Theresa Velo (Williston, ND), mother-in-law Lucille Ratzlaff (Valley City, ND), siblings James Velo (Minot, ND), Donald and Teri Velo (Emporia, KS), John and Judy Velo (Eagen, MN), Robert Velo (Powers Lake, ND), Daniel and Jean Velo (Williston, ND), Floyd Velo (Columbus, ND), Wilfred Velo (Powers Lake, ND), Barbara and Thayne Pope (Williston, ND), Dorothy and Troy Johnson, (Williston, ND), and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by father Floyd Velo, brother Michael Velo, sister Catherine Velo, father-in-law Walter Ratzlaff, and brother-in-law Oscar Borchert.

Memorials are preferred to Elks Camp Grassick, Dawson, ND and the Roger Maris Cancer Center.