Carolyn Ratashak Obituary

Carolyn Ratashak, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024 at EveryStep Kavanagh House.

Carolyn was born to Russell and Beulah (McGaffin) Marshall on December 22, 1930, in Lewis, Iowa. She graduated from Lewis High School in 1948. Carolyn then attended Drake University earning an associate degree in Elementary Education.

Carolyn and Max Ratashak were united in marriage on March 22, 1953, in Lewis, Iowa. They were blessed with four children: Paul, Debra, George Russell, and Mary Ann. Max’s career was in the Air Force involving moving and travel, which the family enjoyed. The family returned to Lewis upon his retirement in 1968.

Carolyn’s family was the most important part of her life. She also enjoyed cooking, traveling, and genealogy.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Max; children: Paul, Debbie, and Rusty; great grandson Raymond Paul Ratashak; parents; parents-in-law; brothers: Lee and Richard; and her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann (Kenny) Clark; daughter-in-law, Marsha Ratashak; grandchildren: Elgin Roland, Jeff (Megan) Ratashak, Rachel (Clay) Garcia, Stacy Schulenberg, and Zachary Clark; her great-grandchildren: Elissa Roland, Ava and Raegan Gaede, Andrew, Eli, and Max Garcia; great great-granddaughter Shaniyah Roland; sister, Marilyn Howard; sisters-in-law, Patricia Marshall Burke and Marijo Marshall, Ella Ratashak and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, July 24 at Iles Westover Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 25 at Covenant Christian Church in Urbandale. The cremated remains will be interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Camp Hertko Hollow, a camp for diabetic children, or the American Heart Association.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Carolyn Ratashak, please visit our Tribute Store.