In 2006 Anita Ratz was presented the Alfred C. Brown Humanitarian of the Year Award, she spoke of her husband Bill, saying that he is the “wind beneath her wings”. It was this touching sentiment that prompted anonymous contributors who wanted to establish an endowment in the couples honor in the Franklin County Community Foundation to name it the Anita and Bill Ratz Wind Beneath My Wings Endowment.
Married in 1957, Anita and Bill recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with family and friends. They have 4 children: Karen Hountz, Jane Phillips, Pam DeVille, and Rick Ratz. They also have 6 grandchildren. Bill worked in his family business, Ratz Brothers Standard Service station, for 46 years until his retirement. Anita stayed home with their children when they were young and then joined Alta Profitt at Tot-Spot Nursery School as an early childhood educator for 15 years.
Anita and Bill are very community-minded. They are active members of St. Michael Church, volunteer for Franklin County Community Foundation committees, and are involved with the Right to Life. Anita volunteers two mornings a week at the Brookville Elementary School and mentors a student at St. Michael School. Bill is currently a member of the American Legion Firing Squad and participates in graveside military honors for veterans.
The two are also very supportive of community organizations. When given the opportunity to decide who the “Wind Beneath My Wings” Endowment would benefit, they selected the Brookville Volunteer Fire Department. When asked why they chose this group, Anita and Bill replied, “We chose the Fire Department because we feel firefighters are some of the most important volunteers. Through their dedication, they are protecting all members fo the community.” After the fund reaches $5000 and is endowed, a portion of the income from the fund will be awarded each year to the Fire Department to be used for financial support. Anita and Bill are very honored and grateful for the generosity of the people who established this endowment in their name.