Carolyn Ann Ragan

On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, Carolyn Ann Ragan, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at the age of 76. She was born on March 24, 1944 in Joplin, Mo., to Orville and Juanita Whisner. She was a 1962 graduate of Joplin High School and married her high school sweetheart, Ronnie Lee Ragan on July 8, 1962. They raised two beautiful daughters, Melissa Leanne, and Michele Elaine..

Carolyn was the proud grandmother of one grandson, Kandyn Dean, whom she adored. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed movie marathons, cooking, sewing, reading, crocheting, and baking the best wedding cakes. She was a silk-screening artist for the Hal Reed Company in Kearney for over 25 years. Carolyn later worked for and retired from the Clay County Sheriff’s Department where she served as an extraditions clerk.

She was proud of her daughters’ successes throughout their school years, and was always available to type term papers, help complete science fair entries, and oversee 4-H projects. She enjoyed sports, especially when helping keep score in baseball; and cheering on her daughters, Melissa at her softball games and Michele as she competed in horse shows. She was her grandson, Kandyn’s biggest fan as he performed and competed in the Smith-Cotton High School Show Choir. Carolyn loved the Lord and studied the Bible faithfully.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Thomas (Mike) of Kearney; daughter, Michele Hotsenpiller (companion, Michael Golden) of Sedalia; grandson, Kandyn Hotsenpiller of Sedalia; Bronc Hotsenpiller, whom she loved as her own son; her brother, Kenny Whisner (Doris) of Joplin; sister, Bonnie of Joplin; and several nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronnie Lee Ragan; her parents, Orville and Juanita Whisner; and her brother-in-law, Jim Mills.

She will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Chapel, with graveside rites, and interment at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kearney, Mo., the Rev. Anne Meredith Kyle, officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Melissa Thomas or Michele Hotsenpiller through the Funeral Chapel.