Paula Renee Ratzlaff

Paula Renee Ratzlaff, the daughter of Russell and Charlene (Mathisen) Jespersen, was born November 4, 1959, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa and died February 3, 2020, at her home in Exira, Iowa at the age of 60 years, 2 months, and 3 days.

She attended Exira Community Schools in Exira, Iowa, graduating with the High School Class of 1978. On May 30, 1981, she was united in marriage to Larry Ratzlaff in Lewis, Iowa. She was blessed with two sons: Alan and Adam. She worked various jobs in the area until she was forced to retire due to her failing health.

Paula had a heart of gold and lived life to the fullest. She enjoyed gardening with her mother, playing video games, and putting puzzles together. She was an avid animal lover and loved to sew, making several costumes for many events. But most of all, she cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Preceding her in death is her father, Russell Jespersen and her brother, Monte Jespersen.

Survivors include her sons, Alan and wife Jillian Ratzlaff of Marengo, Iowa and Adam and wife Britni Ratzlaff of Adel, Iowa; her step-daughter, Amy Ratzlaff of Atlantic, Iowa; her mother, Char Jespersen of Exira, Iowa; her grandchildren: Caleb Ratzlaff and Jordan Ratzlaff, both of Avoca, Iowa, and Emery Ratzlaff, Brigham Ratzlaff, and Sylvie Ratzlaff, all of Adel; her brothers: Randy Jespersen of Exira and his family; Keith and wife Vickie Jespersen of Atlantic and their family; Mitch and wife Fannie Jespersen of Snellville, Georgia and their family; and Scott Jespersen; her sister-in-law, Deb Jespersen of Red Oak, Iowa and her family; her close family friend, Colette Muhr of Exira; as well as other relatives and many friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Exira Event Center, 106 North Jefferson Street in Exira, Iowa.