- Date Of Birth: February 21, 1919
- Date Of Death: October 25, 2016
- State: Idaho
Evelyn Leona Ratzlaff Plett, a member of the greatest generation, was born on February 21, 1919, in Buhler, Kansas. She died October 25 at her home in Caldwell surrounded by her family at the age of 97. She was the fourth of five children born to Kathryn and Henry Ratzlaff, devout Mennonites. As an infant she fell victim to the swine flu pandemic and narrowly survived.
Evelyn was industrious from the start, taking an active part on her family’s farm, milking cows, butchering chickens and helping with many various chores. She was also an excellent student. She was salutatorian in the Buhler High School class of 1937. She was a cheerleader and active in Girl Reserves and the drama club.
After Pearl Harbor, Evelyn moved to San Diego, California, where she worked as a driller for Consolidated Aircraft. She and Clarence married on January 30, 1943. Clarence was a chief petty officer on a Navy repair ship in the Pacific.
Evelyn and Clarence moved to Escondido, California in 1950, where they raised their three daughters.
Evelyn sewed all her daughters’ clothes, knitted many sweaters and afghans and was co-leader of her daughters’ Girl Scout troops. She worked part-time as a cashier and food-preparer at Lincoln Elementary School.
Evelyn and Clarence were very active in the lives of their three grandchildren. In 1990, they moved to Caldwell, Idaho, living on a bluff overlooking the Boise River.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Clarence Plett, their infant son Robert, her parents and four siblings, Abe, Justina, Ella and Agnes.
Evelyn is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Kathy and Steve Schmidt, Karen Plett, Connie and Tom Snyder; also, by grandchildren Joanna Allen, Sarah and Eric Lefever, Nick and Cristina Snyder; and six great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Jenna, Evelyn, Max, Justine and Eden.
Evelyn’s amazing life started by the Little Arkansas River and concluded by the Boise River. God blessed her in so many ways throughout her life. God blessed us with an incredible Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma, Evelyn Leona Ratzlaff Plett.
