George J. Ratzer

George J. Ratzer, 81, of Franklin, passed away unexpectedly at 11:33 P.M. on Thursday September 19, 2019 at Meadville Medical Center.

Born in Elkins, WV on September 11, 1938 he was a son of the late Theodore and Versha Dean Ratzer.

George was a graduate of Elkins High School in West Virginia. He worked his entire career with the same company. He started with Mooney Chemicals which became OMG where he worked as a Production Supervisor. After retiring, George continued to work as a consultant at OMG for several more years.

George proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Hood, TX.

No matter how busy he was, he always made time for his children and grandchildren. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and attend their athletic events and take them camping. A few other favorite pastimes were reading, traveling, as well as boating and waterskiing with his family.

He was married to the former Lila Mae Bezts who preceded him in death on November 24, 2000.

Surviving are four children; Raymond Ratzer of Reno, Susan Gander and her husband Roy of Franklin, Tina Winger of Franklin, and Michelle Ratzer and her significant other, Tim McFadden of Houston, PA; three grandchildren, Brooke Gander and her fiancé Corbin Henry of Franklin, Larry Winger III and fiancé Tessa Black of NC and Kyle Winger and his girlfriend Autumn Bauer of Franklin; a son-in-law, Larry Winger, Jr. of Oil City and a special friend, Jean Russell of Athens, AL.

Additionally surviving are four siblings; Fred J. Ratzer of Beverly, WV, James M. Ratzer of Greenbrier, TN, Margaret A. White of Prospect and Johnny Ratzer of Marietta, OH and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two siblings, Versha Alice Dunlop and Nellie Kathleen Ammons.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. Tuesday and from 10:00 - 10:45 A.M. Wednesday.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Barry Jenkins, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating.

Private family interment will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of his name to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.