Evelyn R. Ragsdale

Evelyn R. Ragsdale, 93, passed away peacefully at her home in Ontario on Nov. 2, 2011.

She was born June 5, 1918, in Harrington, Washington, the second daughter of Ben and Faith Hoffman. After leaving the farm, they lived in Grants Pass and then moved to Baker, where Evelyn graduated from high school in 1936. She married William Ross Ragsdale on Apr. 4, 1937 in Baker. They made their home in Ontario where they raised their two sons.

Ross owned several businesses and Evelyn kept the books. She started working for May Trucking as a bookkeeper and later became the office manager. In 1983, she retired after 33 years.

God and family were the foundations of her life. She lived an intelligent and simple life that focused on those around her whom she loved. The lives of who knew her were enriched by her faith, prayers, encouragement, and giving.

In her younger years, she was choir director, taught Sunday school and was also in charge of the Sunday school program. Music was always heard in her house and she enjoyed singing to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved reading, needlework, knitting, and spending time with family.

She is survived by her sons, Bill of Ontario and Robert (Judy) of Colorado; grandchildren, Rita (Ben) Walker of Colorado, Lauri (Bernie) Babcock of Ontario, Christine (Christian) Storm of Colorado, Richard (Heidi) Ragsdale of Ontario, and Phil Ragsdale of Colorado; great-grandchildren, Britany Babcock and Kendra Babcock of Ontario, Henry Storm of Colorado, and Brandon Ragsdale of Ontario; sisters, Benna (Phil) Munger and Carol (Wes) Peterson all of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ross, sisters Dorothy Entriken and Willa Holt, and daughter-in-law Judy Ragsdale.

In Ontario, a visitation will be held Monday, Nov. 7, 2011 from 5-7 pm at Lienkaemper Chapel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Life Fellowship.

In Grants Pass, a visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 from 9-10 am at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors. A cryptside commital will immediately follow at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart ‘n Home Foundation 1100 NW 12th St., Fruitland, Idaho 83619, or Christian Life Fellowship 366 SE 5th St., Ontario, Oregon 97914.