Dorothy Nora Ragsdale

Dorothy Nora Ragsdale, daughter of the late Fred and Macy (Lough) Lybyer, was born on July 8, 1921 in Texas County, Missouri and departed this life on December 14, 2012 in the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Missouri, at 91 years of age.

Dorothy grew up and attended school in the Dykes Community in Texas County and graduated from Houston High School in 1939 in Houston, Missouri. She attended college for one year following her graduation.

Dorothy was united in marriage to Warren Ragsdale on July 26, 1941 in Bentonville, Arkansas. Three children were born to this union. Mr. Ragsdale passed away on December 9, 2004.

Dorothy enjoyed her home and made sure everyone who entered felt welcome. The cookie jar was always full or a cake was ready, giving the house a wonderful homey smell and feel. She took care of her family by being a living example of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She always took the time for a hug and kiss and saying “you doing okay?” She always had a positive attitude and shared her optimism with others. She had the ability to see the bright side of any situation and could be heard saying, “that’s just the way it is,” and then she would move on to the most positive outcome.

In her spare time, Dorothy enjoyed doing needlework, crocheting, embroidery work, ceramics, painting pictures, doing all kinds of crafts and playing dominos with her friends and family.

Dorothy had an amazing ability to remember phone numbers, earning her the family title of “a walking telephone book.” For relaxation, she would often go on four-wheeler rides with Warren. They covered all the country roads and were even seen racing each other. Visits with Dorothy always included stories, food and laughter. Her pleasant attitude and sense of humor made everyone feel valued. She was a very wise woman, who made the world a better place. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Dorothy was a longtime member of the New Rock Springs Church in Texas County. She enjoyed attending services as long as her health permitted.

Besides her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother: Rhea Lybyer; and a grandson: J.D. Ragsdale.

She is survived by her son: Larry Ragsdale and his wife, Peggy, of Cabool, Missouri; her two daughters: Carol Ann Freeman and her husband, Eddie, of Cabool, Missouri, and Nora Lou Gleason, and her husband, Jim, of Phoenix, Arizona; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Memorial Contributions:
Houston House Nursing Home – Dorothy Ragsdale Employee Appreciation Fund in c/o the funeral home.