1917
2017
December 9, 2017 marked the passing of longtime Hamiltonian, Bobbie Nell Ragsdale. She was 100 years, 177 days old.
She was born Bobbie Nell Stoker on June 15, 1917 in Hillsboro, Texas. The family was poor and moved around in that area of Texas called the "Oil Patch". Her favorite recollections of that period were being baptized in the Pecos River and clerking at J.C. Penny and Montgomery Ward.
While working as a telephone operator in Fort Stockton she caught the eye of a young lumber yard delivery man, Ray Ragsdale, and the couple wed in 1939.
Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Ray and his brothers went to the state of Washington to work in the Keiser ship Yards. Bobbie Nell, expecting their first child remained with family in Pecos.
After the arrival of Gary, she and some more family joined Ray. A second son, Scott arrived just in time to see the Ragsdale's return to Central Texas.
After a short stay in Bosque County, Ray assumed the county dealership for the Humble Oil & Refining Company in Hamilton Texas.
Bobbie Nell was a stay-at-home Mom but was extremely active in Church activities at Park Heights Church of Christ, a den mother for scouts, the art club, library, and creation of the Hamilton County Hospital. While being a candy striper, she often boasted that all she had to do was walk out her back door and help. The family home (303 N. Brown) is the present office for Hamilton's Hospital. This house was the only family home her daughter (Ruth) ever knew.
After the last kiddo left the nest, Bobbie Nell enrolled herself in the nursing program at Central Texas College, completed the program and graduated as a Registered Nurse; she not only had a full shift of work with the hospital, but often did extra hours because of her proximity.
Bobbie Nell is preceded in death by husband (Ray Ragsdale), sister (Helen Yancy), brother (Ross Stoker) and sister in law (Anne Stoker).She is survived by oldest son(Gary and wife Elnora), second son(Scott) and daughter (Ruth and husband Carter). Bobbie had two grandchildren, Bobbie Christina Ragsdale and Russell Kendrick and wife Josie. Russell and Josie produced three great grandchildren (Lauren, Mason and Olivia). Numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family exist.
Visitation will be held from 10:45 am until 11:30 am on Friday December 15, 2017 at Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton with Funeral Services following at 11:30am and internment will be in Walnut Springs, TX
The family would like to thank the personnel of Hamilton Healthcare who offered her joy, comfort and love for the last 16 years of her life.
Rather than flowers, she would have liked seeing people support the Park Heights Church of Christ and the Hamilton Public Library.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Riley Funeral Home.
3 Entries
January 27, 2018
Vicki Marwitz
I still think of Bobbie often as I pass by her room. I was very happy to care for her in her golden years. She always had a smile, something nice to say, and thankful of all the care she received. She was proud to be a nurse and loved to show off her graduation pinning picture.
December 13, 2017
Carla Geeo
Rest in peace, my sweet friend Bobbie. I was honored to know you an care for you. I will miss our visits. You were always so welcoming. God bless.
December 12, 2017
Mrs. Ragsdale was always a joy; she always had a smile on her face and seemed genuinely happy to see you. While I was the Business Office Manager at Hamilton Healthcare, she never failed to stop and chat! Prayers are with all of you for your loss. Becky Bertrang Lackey
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