A honeymoon love letter to Kay Ragen from Charles: “Dearest wife, I love you so much- my only regret is that we didn’t meet 10 years ago so I could have loved you all that extra time. Your loving husband, Charlie.”
Our very wonderful, loving mom and grandmother Kathryn Ragen left us peacefully on Saturday, March 26, 2016 to be with our Lord.
Mom was born in Great Falls to Lyman and Marie Reed on Dec. 16, 1924. She spent her childhood in Augusta and Boulder, Montana. She played basketball and graduated at Augusta High School. She moved to Seattle where she worked for Boeing during WWII. She was at the Boeing plant when the first B17 bomber was built and took off. She attended the University of Washington. She later worked for social services in Seattle, then moving to Butte and finally to Townsend where she continued her social services employment. She met Charles Ragen in 1946 soon after his return from service in the army in Europe. Kathryn and Charles were married at the Cathedral in Helena on May 1, 1947. Kay, Charles, and family continued a seven- generation Broadwater County ranching business. Kay and Charles raised eight children in Townsend.
Mom is re-united with her husband of 61 years Charles and her son Jack. Also preceding her were her parents Marie and Lyman Reed, brother Jack Reed, and sister Dolores Anderson. Survivors include her children Pat (Claudia) of Townsend and Sun Lakes, AZ; Chris of Spokane, WA; Kathy of Madison, WI; Connie (Tom) of Bozeman; Jeff (JoAnn) of San Antonio; Tom of Apple Valley, CA; and Richard of Spokane, WA. Mom was blessed with eleven grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren.
Mom will always be remembered for the happy, loving home she provided for her family. Mom was a great cook and loved to host parties and gatherings for family and friends. The doors were always swinging.
A Vigil Service will be held 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 1st at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway Street, Townsend. A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 2nd at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 S. Walnut Street, Townsend. The Rite of Committal Service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Townsend. A reception will follow the graveside at the Legion Club, 211 Broadway Street, Townsend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Legion Auxiliary or charity of their choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Kathryn.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Friday April 1, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 2, 2016
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend , Montana 59644
Rite of Committal
Following Mass
Saturday April 2, 2016
Holy Cross Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday April 2, 2016
Legion Club
211 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Friday April 1, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 2, 2016
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend , Montana 59644
Rite of Committal
Following Mass
Saturday April 2, 2016
Holy Cross Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday April 2, 2016
Legion Club
211 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Denise Moudree says
I’m sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Such a wonderful story of her life, filled with love. My condolences to you all as she was a wonderful woman. Bless her life and her passing.,
Art Graham says
I send my heartfelt condolences to Classmate Pat, friends Chris, Connie and Cathy and the rest of the family. I have fond memories of Kay’s pleasant greetings to me as a high school kid, and seeing her in household chores off the back porch as we played ball on the lawn of the old church. Godspeed to you in this time of transition.
Karen Sautter Scheler says
I was so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. My love and prayers are with all of you. I have so many wonderful memories growing up. Kay was such a strong model to so many of us while growing up. May all of you take comfort in the many years and memories you have as a family.
Donna J Francisco says
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the passing of your Mom. I am sending love and prayers to all of you at this time. I feel very blessed to have known your Mom and have special memories of her in my childhood days, along with your Dad and the whole Ragen family! They left quite a legacy. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend the funeral mass, but will be there in spirit.