Obituary: Charlotte “Sharley” Lou Ragen
Author: Sharley Ragen Family
Charlotte “Sharley” Lou Ragen
Sharley Ragen Family
July 21, 1932 - June 7, 2024
Charlotte “Sharley” Lou Ragen was born July 21, 1932, to John Williams and Loretta Murray Williams. She joined brother Bill in Radersburg Montana and on her 14th birthday, brother Tom completed the family.
Sharley attended the Radersburg School and graduated from Broadwater County High School in Townsend Montana.
On December 27, 1952, Sharley married John Ragen. Patti was born in November 1953 and Dan in October 1954. The family of four began their life by spending seven months a year on their ranch on Ray Creek in the log home John built. The other five months were spent, joined by Uncle Eddy Ragen, at thoroughbred racetracks in Spokane, Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina. After John became racing secretary in Saskatchewan, Sharley became his secretary. She also worked at several businesses in Townsend.
Sharley was a board member and eventually board president at the Broadwater County Historical Museum from 1993-2011. With all those Williams and Ragen family roots, Broadwater County history is deep in our hearts. Sharley was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, the Broadwater Cattlewomen and loved her time with her church ladies. She and John were also involved in the restoration of the Canton Church, a church that John’s great-grandparents helped build in 1876. Sharley will be laid to rest at the Canton Cemetery beside John.
Sharley was preceded in death by her parents, John and Loretta Williams, husband John Ragen, brother Bill Williams as well as many dear family members and friends.
She is survived by daughter Patti Schwisow (Paul) of Missoula, son Dan Ragen (Marleena) of Townsend, brother Tom Williams (Judy) of Toston, grandchildren Erin Thorsen (Pat) of Havre, Tyler Ragen (Devon) of Bozeman, Mike Schwisow (Mackenzie) of Missoula, and Travis Ragen (Kayli) of Townsend. Sharley was dearly loved by her great-grandchildren Luke and Sam Thorsen and Gracie, Jace and Jack Ragen. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and great-friends.
Donations in Sharley’s name can be made to the Broadwater County Historical Society, PO Box 614, Townsend MT 59644 or Radersburg Historic Preservation, PO Box 96, Toston MT 59643.
A celebration of Sharley’s life will be held at The Radersburg School on July 23, 2024, from 3:00-7:00.
Patti has long believed that heaven is a lot like the old River Inn. They are all up there having a good time and we know Sharley is on that dance floor.
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