Nancy Bruce Ratch (née Read), 86, of Topeka, KS died on Saturday, January 7, 2023.
She was born June 1, 1936 in Boonville, MO, the daughter of Lloyd Earl and Shirley Norine (Vanderford) Read.
She graduated from Kirksville Senior High School in 1954, Christian College in Columbia, MO in 1956, and received a BA in physical therapy from the University of Kansas in 1959.
Nancy married Robert Ray Ratch on July 4, 1958 at the University of Kansas at Lawrence. She preceded her in death on May 18, 2008.
Nancy was a physical therapist, homemaker and the former First Lady of Lindenhurst. Her husband served as mayor from 1983 to 1991. She has volunteered for many charities throughout her life.
Mrs. Ratch was a member of Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene in Topeka.
Survivors include his daughters, Christina (Laurence) Burton of Aurora, CO and Robin (William) Moore of West Palm Beach, FL; and four grandchildren, Kamen (Kayla) Burton, Corey (Libby) Burton, William Bradley (Blake) Moore and Henry Moore as well as her sister, Linda Rickard.
Nancy enjoyed reading, sewing, talking, laughing, eating custard, studying her Bible, and especially talking to her grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610.
A private grave was held at Millburn Cemetery in Old Mill Creek, Illinois on Saturday, January 14, 2023, where she was buried with her husband Bob. Ringa Funeral Home, 122 S Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa, IL 60046 assisted the family with her burial.
Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s honor to Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66614.
To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.DoveTopeka.com.
Published online January 24, 2023
Published in Topeka Capital Journal
