EAST FISHKILL - Jewel S.G. Ratzlaff, 69, an area resident since 1990 and formerly of Connecticut, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania, died on June 3, 2025 surrounded by her immediate family.

Born in Quakertown, PA on November 1, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Mianna (Eisenhart) Geissinger. She graduated from Goshen College, taught high school math, and later studied theatre at Michigan State University. After moving east, she took on multiple roles at WMNR radio in Connecticut and subsequently became the program director at WFUV in NYC. Before retiring in 2022, Jewel was employed as the Public Information Officer for the Poughkeepsie Public Library where she spearheaded the community wide Big Read project.

Jewel was a member of the New Beginnings Alliance Church in Poughkeepsie where she served as the choir director and was very active in church life. In 2009, she co-founded Mid-Hudson Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC), an organization that builds relationships with people in need to encourage transformation. There, she passionately served as board chair, furniture delivery coordinator, volunteer coordinator, event planner, and teacher. She directed and acted in plays with the County Players and volunteered with Literacy Volunteers of America. Jewel loved playing the piano, baking, reading, playing games, and gardening. In 2023, Jewel was honored as the Woman of the Year by the American Association of University Women. Most recently, she enjoyed adventures to the Pacific Northwest, Iceland, and China, as well as trips to dote on her treasured grandchildren.

Jewel is survived by her husband, Eugene H. Ratzlaff; her daughter, Caitlin Harris; her son, Lucas Ratzlaff; her grandson, Oliver and granddaughter, Chandler; her siblings, Ladnor, Cordell, Glenn and Timothy Geissinger, and Tanya Shealey; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

On Saturday, June 14th, visitation will begin at 9:00 with a Memorial and Celebration of Life at 11:00 at New Beginnings Alliance Church, 35 DeGarmo Road, Poughkeepsie. A lunch reception at the church will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mid-Hudson Love INC, 748 Freedom Plains Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 or online.