Desert Messenger

18 www.DesertMessenger.com November 4, 2020 In Memoriam Charles MacArther Ratliff of LaPaz Valley, Quartzsite AZ Charles MacArther Ratliff passed away at his home on May 11, 2020 af- ter suffering a stroke last October. He was born in Big Fork Arkansas in 1942 to the late Charles William and Susie McCully Ratliff. Charles was united in marriage September 20, 1962 to Pa- mela Walker at Mena Arkansas, they were married for 57 ½ years. He is survived by his wife, Pam, his dogs Rosie and Daisy Mae; his sis- ter Naoma Rowton of Wichita, KS. His three children Robert "Bob" and Noel Ratliff of Black Canyon City, AZ, Dori and Ed Frazer of Union, OR, Shannon Wayne and Krissy Ratliff of Welches, OR. Seven grandchil- dren, six great grandchildren, sev- eral nieces and nephews, and many friends from his career in the US Navy as well as in his civilian life. He was proud of serving his coun- try and helping keep us free. He started his Navy life as a gunner's mate which included nuclear weap- ons and evolved into special war- fare, UDT and explosive ordinance disposal. They are called Navy SEALs today but back then they did not have protective gear, cameras, or robots to help out. He was a Viet- nam veteran, participated in testing spacesuits for astronauts and many other experiments. Missions includ- ed recovery from helicopter crashes and sunken ships. Many missions that are still classified. He also pro- vided security for 3 different presi- dents. Between his enlistments he Karen Marie Hamann Zwetzig Hamann Bay City MI After a long hard fight, Karen, age 59, passed away June 23, 2020 sur- rounded by loved ones at home. She was born November 1, 1960 to the late Ronald E. Hamann and Patricia was a police officer- patrolman. His second career was in com- mercial and residential construc- tion. From an early age Charles was an avid outdoorsman: hunting, fish- ing, and sports. He was at home in the woods and mountains, later in life in the desert. Besides his wife, children, and ex- tended family he loved his dogs and horses. Enjoyed leading ATV rides and showing people our historic area (in Arizona), old mines, ghost towns, ranches, pictographs, big- foot prints and ancient campsites. Charlie was a lifetime member of the VFW, NRA and was still a mem- ber of the Underwater Swim School Association (Key West, FL), and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal As- sociation. He loved his card playing nights at the senior center, especially pok- er, he also played Dominos when given the opportunity and 313 with friends and family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, 11 siblings, many brother and sister in-laws and 1 greatgrand- child. He is missed by everyone that knew him. A celebration of life will be held November 7th, at 11am at the Quartzsite VFW Post 769. A. (Taylor) Hamann. Karen is survived by her loving husband, Ronald J. Zwetzig; chil- dren, Amy (Mike) Ricupati, Steven (Joy) Schroeder; step-children, Christopher (Dawn) Zwetzig, Tia (Chris) Willette, and Stacie Sturm (favorite ex-son in law, Jason Sturm). Karen loved to brag about all of her grandchildren, Keaton, Gabrella, Saige, Rheanah, Alex- ander, Isabella, Henry, Grace and Elijah. She is also survived by her only sister, Cathy Jo (Christopher) Hamann-Lee; and nephews, Jacob and Jason Lee. Karen was divorced from Mark Schroeder, but never di- vorced the family, and they all had a special place in her heart. Karen was born and raised in Bay City MI, had a cabin in Mikado MI, and wintered in Quartzsite AZ for the last 18 years. Throughout those 18 years, they have traveled all across the United States and made many lifelong friends which she considered to be her second family. She enjoyed many things from trail riding, going to garage sales, camping with a good camp fire, music, and socializing. Karen's love was great for all and she will be missed by many. We will announce a celebration of her life at a later date. To sign her online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi. com Arrangements made with Cre- mation Society of Mid Michigan. All sympathy store items must be sent directly to the family home. Nancy's Kitchen PUMPKIN CORN CHOWDER PUMPKIN CORN CHOWDER ½ C butter, 1 chop onion ½ C flour, 2 C pumpkin 1 can white kernel corn 1 ½ C chicken broth 1 lb. thick, cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 quart half and half Melt butter and sauté onion. Add flour and mix til pasty. Add corn, pumpkin and broth. Mix well, and simmer. Add bacon and mix. Pour ½ of chowder into a blender. Mix til smooth. Return to pot and stir, and simmer. When ready to serve add half and half And resume heating….don't boil! DINNER IN A PUMPKIN Medium size pumpkin; cut top off and set aside. Clean insides out and rinse…set aside. Brown 3 lbs. ground beef, in large skillet. Add: 2 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pep- per, 2/3 C chopped green pepper, 1½ C chopped celery, 1½ C chopped onion,½ C soy sauce, 4 TBS brown sugar, 2 cans (4 oz-drained) mush- rooms, 2 cans cream chicken soup 4 C cooked rice Fill Cleaned pumpkin shell, with mixture. Set on a cookie sheet. Put the "top" of the pumpkin flat on the cookie sheet, with the pumpkin. Bake at 350 for 2-3 hours. After tak- ing out of the oven, decorate it like a jack o lantern; lettuce on top, with "pumpkin top" on top of lettuce (makes hair), carrot for nose, sliced cucumber for eyes, green pepper for ears etc. use your imagination. When dishing up the filling, onto a plate scrape out some of the pump- kin linning with the spoonful of rice mixture. Makes a perfect din- ner and decoration for a Halloween meal or luncheon. County Landfill Transfer Station now on Winter Hours The Quartzsite Transfer Station is now on their WINTER hours. They are open Sunday thru Wednes- day, 7:30am to 2:30pm. Dump your trash for free at the Transfer Station. Please cover your load. For more info call the Main landfill 928- 916-1253 or Main office at 928-854- 9152. The transfer station is locat- ed north of Town, just off Hwy. 95, near the Sewer Treatment Plant.

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