Memorial: Richard Andrew Ragen
Author: Family of Richard Andrew Ragen
Richard Andrew Ragen
Family of Richard Andrew Ragen
Our dear brother, Richard Andrew Ragen, passed away on December 3, 2023, in Spokane, WA. Richard was born to Charles and Kay Ragen in Townsend, MT on December 18, 1958. A few days after his birth, our mother carried him home from the hospital, walked through the front door and placed him gently under the Christmas tree. “Merry Christmas,” she said to the other seven of us children. “Meet your baby brother.” Richard was a gift to all our family.
During his youth, Richard helped his father and brothers on the family ranch. Flood irrigation, putting up hay and tending to cattle were frequent chores. Richard graduated from Broadwater County High School in 1977. He attended the University of Montana and Montana State University from 1977 to 1979. Richard had the ability to quickly learn new skills which led to a variety of work in several states. During his young adult life, Richard managed Tandy Leather stores in Phoenix, AZ and Chula Vista, CA where he was recognized as Manager of the Year. Later he moved to Houston, TX where he operated a clothing printing business for several years. From 2002 to 2008 he was a land surveyor in Apple Valley, CA. In 2008 Richard moved to Bozeman, MT to help care for our mother after our father died. Richard’s loving care brought Mom comfort and companionship. In 2012 Richard and Mom moved to Spokane, WA where Mom lived in a retirement community. Richard worked at Home Depot and traveled the Spokane Valley as a carpet project estimator. He also established a credit repair business where he took pride in helping others.
Richard is survived by six siblings: Pat (Claudia), Townsend, MT and Sun Lakes, AZ; Chris Sherwood, Spokane Valley, WA; Kathy (Jerry), Ft. Myers, FL; Connie (Tom Keyes), Bozeman, MT; Jeff (JoAnn), San Antonio, TX; Tom (Corine), Apple Valley, CA. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jack. We will all miss our younger brother Richard. May he rest in peace.
Graveside services will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Townsend at 3 pm on Tuesday, August 6. A reception will follow at The Betsy. Per Richard’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, you may send donations to the Shriner’s Hospital in Spokane, WA or to a nonprofit organization of your choice.
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