Marvin Eugene Ratzlaff, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, counselor, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at the age of 89.Marvin was born in Shafter, California, and grew up in Selma, the son of a Pentecostal preacher and farmer, where he developed the values of hard work, integrity, kindness, and quiet determination that would define his life.

He attended Fresno City College, where he proudly played football, before earning his teaching degree from Fresno State University.While living in Fresno, Marvin met the love of his life, Ellen Marie Craven, and her young daughter, Laurie Yetter. He lovingly embraced Laurie as his own, and together Marvin and Ellen built a beautiful family, including four more daughters, Lisa, Lynda, Leslie, and Leigh. Their family was founded on love, faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Marvin dedicated his career to serving others as both a teacher and counselor, including many years working with young people in the juvenile detention system. His patience, compassion, and steady encouragement left a lasting impact on countless students and families. To those who knew him, he was a quiet example of integrity, humility, and servant-hearted love.

Outside of work, Marvin found happiness in the simple things. He loved working in his yard, listening to music on his turntable, and filling the house with the sound of his trumpet while the children laughed, danced, and jumped on the bed. He enjoyed history, including stories of past wars. He was an enthusiastic sports fan who could often be heard cheering for his favorite quarterbacks and the Golden State Warriors. These ordinary moments became extraordinary memories for the family who loved him.Marvin was also remembered as a man who stepped forward whenever he was needed. His steady presence brought comfort, wisdom, and encouragement to generations of family and friends.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Lavada Mae Ratzlaff and Harry Frank Ratzlaff, and his brothers, Lloyd, and Delmer. Also, his grandson Kenneth Becker III.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Ellen Marie Ratzlaff; his daughters, Laurie Harland and partner John Bell, Lisa Becker and husband Ken Becker, Lynda Janes and husband Jeff Janes, Leslie Arakelian and husband Dick Arakelian, Leigh Collins and former husband Darin Collins; his grandchildren, Codie Collins, Brett Becker and wife Leslie Becker, Christian Collins and fiancé, Darcey Fletcher, Amanda Northcutt and her husband, Sage Northcutt, Chandler Collins, Justin Janes, Jenna Janes, and Ayden Arakelian; and his cherished great-grandson, Callum Becker.

Marvin’s life reminds us that a legacy is not built through grand gestures, but through countless acts of love, faithfulness, and kindness. His story lives on in his family, in the children whose lives he influenced, and in all who were blessed to know him as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, counselor, and friend.He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Farewell Paige Funeral Chapel. We will follow with a short graveside service and a luncheon at Cattlemen’s restaurant in Selma, California.