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In memory of
Anita Eggen Ragsdale
May 10, 1927 - April 30, 2019
May 10, 1927 - Apr 30, 2019
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Anita's obituary
Anita Eggen Ragsdale passed away on April 30th at Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, Oregon, surrounded by family and her husband of 71 years, James B. Ragsdale. She was just days away from her 92nd birthday.
Anita Caroline was born on May 10, 1927, to Oscar and Fay Eggen, in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, where her father worked for the U.S. Park Service. He was transferred to Sequoia National Park in 1930 where Anita enjoyed playing in nature with her younger brother, Armon. When she was 10 her father suffered a stroke and they returned to the family home in Absarokee, Montana, where her grandfather, Ole Eggen, homesteaded the Eggen Ranch; Oscar died 17 months later. She attended Absarokee High School where she played basketball, piano and worked at the Elted Theater, owned by her stepfather, Arnold Howland. Anita studied journalism at the University of Montana where she met her husband, James B. Ragsdale. They moved 25 times throughout Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Oregon, moving to Beaverton in 1977 and settling in McMinnville in 1986, where they owned The Shoe Horn.
Throughout her life Anita was an avid gardener, baker, and party thrower. For many years she volunteered at United Methodist Church, organizing numerous weddings, memorials, and other receptions as well as the weekly Sunday coffee hour. She was a member of the Current Events and Garden Clubs and was known for the lush bouquets she created from her garden and donated throughout town. There wasn't a parade too big or too small for her enthusiastic attendance.
In addition to James she is survived by her children Vicky, Kelly, Mark and Jana Ragsdale. Her son, Steven, died in 2006. Anita kept up with all ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and was a second mother to many others in an extended family that enjoyed her special attention; she will be held dear in the memories of all.
A memorial reception will be held in McMinnville. Anita wished to be laid to rest at the Rosebud Cemetery in Stillwater County, Montana, next to her grandparents, parents, and brother.
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