Mary Elyn Ragsdale, age 93

Mary Elyn Ragsdale, age 93

September 5, 1930 – October 13, 2023

Mary Elyn Ragsdale, age 93, of Wheeler, Illinois, passed away at 11:46 AM – Friday, October 13, 2023, at Helia Healthcare in Newton, Illinois.

Funeral services celebrating Mary Elyn’s life will be held at 10:30 AM – Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Rick Britton officiating.  The burial will be in the Kibler Cemetery, north of Lis, Illinois.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM – Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the funeral home. In loving memory of Mary Elyn, memorials may be made to the Fairview Christian Church or St Jude’s Childrens Hospital.  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Mary Elyn was born on September 5, 1930, in Bloomington, Illinois, the daughter of Cecil Ray and Harriet Mirium (Hovey) Wigall.  She married Jackie Douglas “Jack” Ragsdale on December 31, 1949, in Newton, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on November 13, 2019. 

Mary Elyn graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1948.  She retired from E.R. Moore Cap and Gown Factory after many years of service.  

Mary Elyn was a member of the Fairview Christian Church.  She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening, raising flowers, and taking care of her hummingbirds.

Mary Elyn and Jack enjoyed fishing and horseback riding and were members of the HiHo Silver saddle club for several years.  She was known for her delicious candies that she made.

Mary Elyn is survived by:

Children – Diana Groves of Newton, Illinois; Doug Ragsdale of Newton, Illinois; and Jackie (Shawn) Ohnesorge of Dieterich, Illinois

Grandchildren – Daina (Brent) Lewis, Amanda (Kenny) Fritcher, Bryan Groves, Cayce Groves, Erica “Chuck” Groves, Mikka (Danny) Kellerman, Ariel (Justin) Gasaway, Carly Ohnesorge and Ty Ohnesorge.

13 Great Grandchildren

2 Great-great Grandchildren

Mary Elyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law Rick Groves, daughter-in-law Dana Ragsdale, great-grandchildren Stormy Joliff and Dylan Lewis, sisters Mildred Clark and Dorothy Beam, and three brothers Don, Gene, and Charles Wigall.