Kay Ragsdale
November 24, 1952 - April 5, 2016

"Lit a candle in memory of Kay Ragsdale"

"Lit a candle in memory of Kay Ragsdale"

"Lit a candle in memory of Kay Ragsdale"

"Lit a candle in memory of Kay Ragsdale"

"Lit a candle in memory of Kay Ragsdale"

"Lit a candle in memory of Kay Ragsdale"

"Lit a candle in memory of Kay Ragsdale"

""I Am Here", a guided meditation featuring a bamboo flute. I only wish that were true. ~Margaret Howard"

"My friend shared with me the passing of a mutual teacher and friend of ours back in April. I learned of her passing today. My heart is broken. "Miss Ragsdale", as she was known to us since the age of 9, taught me to play the flute. She had a brilliance about her...and a wicked sense of humor. I can still remember her laughter. She intrigued me as a child, slightly intimidated me (in a good way because I worked my tail off to please her each week for my lesson!), and she went on to exchange Christmas cards with me each year up until now. I remember when my dad took me to see Miss Saigon so that I could hear Miss Ragsdale's performance of the Asian flutes in the pit orchestra of that phenomenal show. I am the music teacher I am today largely due to Miss Kay Ragsdale. I chose to major in flute performance my freshman year of college and went on to join the marching band at Illinois where I met my husband. I still play my flute each week at my school mass and recently received a new piccolo from my mom for my 46th birthday. Again, Miss Ragsdale's influence on my adult life. Kay, I will miss you, your friendship and your Christmas cards. My prayers are with you and your family. I know there is beautiful flute music playing in heaven and someday I'll be fortunate enough to hear it again."

"I had the opportunity to work with Kay in the summer of 1994, when she was on tour with "Miss Saigon". I sat beside her in the Kennedy Center Opera House pit for many weeks. She was so very kind and gracious, a delightful person in all ways. Her performance on the ethnic flutes in that score was incredible. 14 years later, when she returned to DC with "The Lion King", I chatted briefly with her after the show I attended in the Opera House. She enthusiastically showed me (and my children) all the flutes she played during LK. I just heard today of her passing. I was hoping our paths would cross again, someday. My deepest sympathy to all her friends and family. Stephani Stang-Ferry Assistant Principal Flutist, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra Washington, DC"

"We had been friends with Kay for over 30 years. My husband Scott was a fellow colleague of her at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theater for many years. I used to go out shopping with Kay and out to dinner on many occasions. She visited us at our home often. We had spoken to Kay a couple of months ago and told her we were moving to Santa Fe, NM. She was so happy for us and we were looking forward to seeing her in October when the Lion Tour came to Albuquerque. We were going to see her and have her over to spend time with at our new home. We had no idea she became ill shortly after we spoke with her. Kay was always kind, generous, upbeat, positive and one of the nicest people we have ever known. She love her career in music and the travel adventures it presented for her. She always told us the cities that she was exploring on the tour. We met her at the Palace Thai restaurant about 2 years ago when the tour was in town in Chicago. She sounded great and the show was amazing. Our deepest condolences to her family and fellow Lion King musicians who got to work with her. She will be missed. We feel like better people because we had her a friend. Scott and Linda Rosenthal"

"I have not seen Kay in many years (probably 20 or so when her Dad spoke to my Rotary Club and she accompanied him). We grew up together in church and school, were in band together, and even went to the prom together our junior year-and took the ACT the next day. Steve Green and I went to Indiana University for her senior recital. I saw Miss Saigon in Chicago when she was in the orchestra, but did not take the time to track her down. She was both missed and mentioned at our 45th class reunion last summer. I have a lot of fond memories of her and she will be missed. My condolences to Mrs. Ragsdale, Jean, and the rest of the family. Carl Strauch"

"Kay gave so much and asked for so little. Meeting Kay at Northwestern in 1975, I remember the Bach classes with the great oboist, Ray Still. Petrified to perform the Cantatas in class, followed by great moments of laughter afterwards. We worked together quite a bit early in our careers, then she began to travel with the shows. Being one of the founding members of the Chicago Flute Club, Kay was always there to help and be supportive. Her life was amazing, and truly she was doing what she loved to do, play music and travel. Goodbye my old friend, you will always be in my heart. Mary Stolper"

"My sympathy and condolences to Vivian and Jean and the rest of the family. Many fond memories of growing up in the Longwood/Park Plaza neighborhood. Wish I had had an opportunity to hear Kay play in her professional career. So very sorry for your loss. Debora Saylor Mackey"

"With deepest sympathy to Vivian,Jean and Jean's Family. I took flute lessons from Kay when I was in Jr High and I remember how talented she was and how beautifully she played the flute. When she performed with The Lion King a few years ago in Portland, OR, she visited with me during intermission and showed me all the different instruments she played during the performance. I will always think of her when I hear music from The Lion King. You are in my thought and prayers. Carol (Solecki) Houk"

"The passing of Kay came as quite a shock to my parents and I. She was a very special "daughter" to my parents on Park Plaza Drive. They are next door neighbors and have shared many years of laughter & conversation while she was home on break and by phone. I have lived in the Chicago area for sometime now and was fortunate enough to have my parents come and see Kate in her glory "Lion King"!!!! She so graciously met us after and gave us a full tour and educated us about her profession. I truly believe she didn't want my parents to know of her battle to spare them worry and sadness. What a strong and brave women she was and such a joy to have known. My deepest condolences to Vivian and Jean. She will be deeply missed."

"So sad to hear about Kay. My heart-felt condolences to her family and loved ones. I knew her from high school band. I remember a conversation we had at one of our first high school reunions. She was very modest about her own accomplishments, but rather, seemed genuinely interested and eager to hear about how much I enjoyed playing in the my 50's band. Here was a person who was several orders of magnitude more talented than I, yet graciously listening to my yammering about oldies rock and roll. What a nice person! Bob Clothier"

"It's me again, Vivian and Jean. I just finished reading all the tributes and looking at all the pictures. What a wonderful legacy Kay has left. I pray that these memories bring you great comfort!"

"To Kay's family, My name is Scott.I am a violist. I first met Kay several years ago playing the Lion King. From the first time I spoke to Kay I felt she was a very special person.i loved hearing her talk about her flutes and sharing her knowledge about all the particulars of Lion King. Since that first show I kept in touch with Kay over the years. I am devastated that she is gone and I am going to miss her very much. Kay touched my life in a unique way. I will never forget her. My prayers are with you all."

"My condolences to Mrs. Ragsdale, Jean and her family. I have many fond memories of Kay from living in the Park Plaza addition in Canton and then later when we would catch one of her performances in Chicago. When I went to a musical in Chicago, I always checked the orchestra listing first to see if she was part of it. There were a couple of times we waited for her at the stage door. She always had stories to share with us. One time my son, who at the time was a big Packer fan, received a Cheese Head hat in the mail. It was a couple of years later that we learned that it was Kay who remembered his passion for the Packers and sent sent the Cheese Head. Amazing! I know she was very proud of her Nieces. The world has lost a very unique and positive person."

"Thinking of you all and the memories of the carolers and music when we were growing up. Jan Curry"

"Dear Vivian, Jean and other family members: How sad to read of Kay's death. She has come to my mind several times in the last few days, and I was wondering if she was still touring with the "Lion King" orchestra. She will always be remembered for her bubbling personality, and it was my privilege to know her when she was a high schooler. What a wonderful group of tributes she received from her fellow musicians! The peace and comfort of the Lord be with all of you. You will be in my prayers."

"I forgot to add - after one dinner in Vancouver while we were walking back to the theatre we walked past a sandwich board advertising a $30 million dollar lottery prize. I asked Kay what she would do if she won $30 million dollars; her answer was that she would keep doing what she was doing. Hers was a life very well lived!"

"Kay Ragsdale became a close friend of everyone she met. Kay has been my close friend since I met her in the Vancouver BC Miss Saigon in 1996. During the rehearsals she was in my line of sight and I could not help noticing her breathing, I asked her if she was an Arnold Jacobs student; that common ground started a friendship I will value for life. She had a black raincoat then; that never changed. Nor did her self-depreciating giggle, nor did her intense dedication to her craft and to the members of her traveling community. She had an almost evangelic willingness to show other flutists her trunks of trade secrets. She was, simply put, the least selfish person imaginable. The last time I saw Kay was in Calgary. I had traveled to Calgary for the funeral of a UBC horn student. After the funeral I went to the Jubilee Auditorium to see our old friends in the Lion King orchestra. Kay and I sat outside at a picnic table talking about "perfect" young lives. As always, Kay was sympathetic, comforting and empathetic. She had a gift for making things better; that gift is lost to us now. Sharman King in Vancouver"

"Kay and I were great friends from our Northwestern days. We played in a group back then and shared many good times. She was very proud of her family. I especially remember her telling me about her father's Toastmasters speeches but she fiercely loved her entire family. I heard so much about Jean and her family. I know Kay was enamored and amazed by her nieces, and of course her mom. Kay loved touring the country and made it a point to see everything there was to see in every city she was in. She was an amazing person. I was so saddened by her passing. Ann Umeki"

"I was lucky to be able to play with Kay in Chicago. She was the most prepared player I have ever met, and an inspiration to a younger musician in how to be a professional in every way. At my baby shower, she gave me a huge box full of every kind of child safety device you could ever need! She made sure I was prepared for anything when raising a child. She also had everything anybody could need every night with her in the pit - including a flashlight the night the pit lights went out in Miss Saigon, and I, being the newest sub, was the only one who didn't have the music memorized! Her happiness, the beauty of her playing, and the sweetness of her personality provided a perfect role model! Thank you, Kay!"

"I started writing arrangements for flute many years ago and Kay was in the first group to ever play them. She was an absolutely awesome player and a wonderful person. I was so proud of her subsequent career in orchestras and in major musical productions. Back when she was playing in 'Miss Saigon," I remember visiting her in the pit during intermission and she exclaimed that knowing I was there would make her "so nervous!" It was such a typically kind remark. My heart goes out her family over this gigantic loss to the flute-playing world."

"I had the pleasure of working with Kay for two runs of The Lion King in Phoenix and will always remember her astounding musicianship and the joy she took from playing all her flutes and pipes. She was so generous with her time and friendship, and the world is brighter because of her music. Kay will be missed."

"I have many, many memories of all of you. My heart goes out to you truly, Jean and Vivian! This is such a shock to me to hear of Kay's passing! She was a grand soul with so much grace and beauty. She will be missed by many! Please find some peace in knowing there is much Love going out to you all in this sad time! Marsha Oatman"

"To Mrs. Ragsdale, Jean and family. Kay leaves me with many wonderful memories of music, warmth and laughter. She was so sweet and will be missed and remembered always. Rhonda White Vogel"

"I had the great pleasure of meeting Kay through my husband, Greg. I knew of her talent and consummate professionalism from him. She was a kind and lovely spirit and the epitome of a true and loyal friend. I am so fortunate to have shared in a portion of her life, and grateful for her many kindnesses, genuine consideration and caring support (not to mention fun times). I will be forever indebted to Kay (and Meg) for going above and beyond the call of duty in taking on me and Henry as family after Greg died. It's an association which I've treasured for the past 11 years. Henry and I will miss her immeasurably, especially the possibility that the ringing phone has Kay on the other end for a great chat, or that the mailbox contains some fun or informative package from her. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Rebecca Bryant"

"Kay was gracious enough to introduce me to world flutes several years ago and to help me along in my journey to learn and love them with the passion that she held for them. When she let me first observe her while Lion King was in Jacksonville, FL, I told her "You have the best job in the world!!" Her dedication and love for the show, the artistry, and the flutes was at such a level that I feel I will always be lacking in trying to reach the bar that she set. But, in honor of my teacher, my mentor, and my friend...I will continue to always strive to reach that bar and honor her legacy. Thank you so much for everything, Kay! You will be so missed!"

"Kay and I spent a lot of time together exploring the wonders around Anchorage, Alaska. She was always up for any adventure and I loved sharing time with her. One of the things about Kay was whenever I saw her and asked how she was she replied and then immediately turned the conversation around to me. Always kind, always curious, always present, I will miss her physical presence but her spirit lives on with her Lion King family. Sweet dreams, Kay."

"To Jean, her Mother, and family, please except my sincere condolences. Was so sorry to hear of Kay's passing. Certainly remember Kay when we all lived and grew up in the old neighborhood in Canton, sweet person and incredible musician indeed. I know she will be missed."

"I usually called her "Lady Ragsdale." We worked together on the Lion King tour for over 12 years, and often joked to each other that we were the "senior citizens," meaning the oldest folk, on the tour. (I had her beat on that, a bit.) I often felt that Kay and I may have been friends before this lifetime. The many tributes here and elsewhere testify to her classiness and her consummate musical artistry and devotion to her art, craft, and service. I had the wonderful privilege of conducting what turned out to be her last performance of The Lion King. Though I learned afterward that she had been in pain, she demurred, as always, when I told her that she had "acquitted herself royally," as she always did. I was driving to the show on Wednesday, the day after she "crossed the threshold," and thinking about her. I had been out of town for the show that was dedicated to her the night before. Her longtime and dear friend and colleague, our Lion King Musical Director Rick Snyder, had called me with the news the day before. "She's gone," he had said, grieving, as we all did. As I remembered those words, I had the vivid experience of hearing Kay's unique voice in its enthusiastic and exuberant style exclaiming, "I'm not gone!" And then, "Tell them I'm not gone!" Thank you, dear Kay! Here's to a beautiful future! Thank you for gracing so very many of us--so very, very many of us--with your gifts! Love always! Doug Reed"

"Kay Ragsdale was perhaps the finest and most certainly the most dedicated musician I have ever had the honor of working with. Far beyond that were her heart and spirit. Everyone loved her and always will. Her love of playing shows was evident EVERY performance, and she somehow NEVER missed a day of work (which was never work for Kay----she loved what she did). The MISS SAIGON First Nat. Co. LOVED her, and she never missed a performance in over three years, including having Hernia Surgery on a lay-off week, then coming right back to work. In recovery, we were in Ft. Lauderdale and planned a trip up to Disney World with my kids (who were really kids back then) and some friends. Kay wanted to go, so we got a wheel chair, put in and her in a car, and headed up there on a day off. We all had a blast, and the fact that Kay was in that wheel chair enabled all of us (including her) to jump the lines and get right on the attraction. I know this tickled Kay enormously. She taught my daughter Erin flute, was a frequent guest in our house in Buffalo Grove, and became part of our family. My entire family express their deepest condolences to Kay's lovely mother, sister Jean, and her family. Jill, Ryan, Erin, and myself have all spoken fondly of our time with Kay this week, and will cherish her memory. When I called each of them with the sad news, they all simply said: "oh no". I personally, know that in Heaven, Kay will find production of a show---one that probably involves both the SAIGON and LION KING flutes, and play it and be happy forever. With deep sadness and limitless love and appreciation, Kevin Stites"

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Teresa and I met Kay on the National Tour of Miss Saigon. She often joined us on our day off excursions. I would tell Kay that we were planning one and before I could ever say what and where we were going, Kay would say, "I am in!" She was always up for the adventure, always with a smile and a lovely laugh. I also remember her saying that she would never take a vacation from Miss Saigon as she felt that touring was the best experience, that she got to play the flute and that she got to travel the country, seeing and doing so many things, just like a vacation. She will always be in our hearts. Peter and Teresa Wolf"

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"I first met Kay when we subbed together with the CSO at Ravinnia on a handful of occasions in the early 80's. I found her to be an excellent musician and a friendly and warm person. Many years later, I had heard she was to be the featured flutist with the Lion King 1st National tour, which I think was the continuation of our Los Angeles company that I played with for a couple of years. I'm sure Kay had no idea that it would turn into a 14-year tour for her! We did maybe a thousand shows, and I had 4 subs that did about 25% of them. That was quite enough for me. I can't begin to imagine how Kay was able to do what must have been 5,000 shows (give or take)!! Yet, she was reportedly an uber-dedicated virtuoso on all 15 of her flutes and ethnic flutes, and treated all of those flutes like "her children" (which I remember her saying from an interview I saw with her). I'm sure that the touring company is very saddened my her untimely passing, but blessed for the time they had with her. My condolences to her family and friends. Hakuna Matada, Kay. Steve Kujala"

"We send our deepest condolences to Kay's family. We toured with Kay in the 90's on Miss Saigon. We were fortunate enough to listen to her beautiful flute playing every night. No one ever played that score the way she did. She was a lovely person. She will be missed. With love, Melanie and Peter Lockyer"

"Here of two pictures of Kay taken on December 2, 2016 at Siam Rice - a Thai restaurant across the alley from the backstage door of the Palace Theatre in Chicago where she was performing in the orchestra of The Lion King."

"When I learned of Kay's untimely passing on Tuesday, I wrote this on my Facebook page: "The theatre community has lost one of its shining stars today. Kay Ragsdale succumbed to leukemia this afternoon. For those who knew her, you were better for it. I had the honor of playing in pits with Kay since 1980. She moved to New York and later became one of the mainstay touring musicians. She had been the flute player (all 15 of them) on The Lion King Gazelle tour since it opened. Her beautiful tone and wonderful playing were only surpassed by her beautiful and wonderful being. She was one of the most positive and classiest persons that I've had the fortune to know. Gob bless you Kay. Your job is done here. Your angelic presence will now be shared in heaven." I posted a picture along with this Facebook post that I took of her on 3/22/16 at a Thai restaurant near the apartment she was renting in downtown Chicago since last December when she was diagnosed with cancer. In the picture she's holding a piece of bread. This was a joke because our mutual friend, Steve Leinheiser, had commented on the restaurant saying it's the only Thai restaurant that he knows of that serves Wonder Bread."

"I was lucky to have Kay as my friend for 14 years. She was the best person to have a conversation with, period. And it was so easy to share a laugh with her. She inspired me every day, and encouraged me in many projects. April is poetry month, and we had just embarked on a poem a day project. It only seems right to try to capture her spirit in a poem. Song of the Wind, Soul of the Air Our dearest friend, our dearest Kay Who filled our lives with joy Whose music filled our air To tell the world of all her worth, the words are never there. Thousands and thousands of hearts Have soared hearing her play Greeting every show with care. She had a gift, but more than that She had dedication beyond compare. In her hands wood became warm and gentle, Bamboo, playful, and silver bright as the sun. She had that kind of flare. But it was her tone, pure as gold, That could turn a melody into a prayer. She was the most loyal friend, With effervescent laughter And a smile that was always there. Her spirit is of the extraordinary kind, Her passion, oh, so rare. She played because she loved the craft, She loved the world, She loved to share. She was the song of the wind She is the soul of the air"

"I grew up with Kay and went to the same schools. Kay was a lovely, gentile lady who always epitomized grace and kindness. Her talent and subsequent success with her flute was amazing. What sad news to hear that she had passed away. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Ragsdale, Jean and her family."

"Kay was simply one of the kindest, most passionate, most thoughtful people I have known. Having worked with her for many years on The Lion King-Gazelle tour, I will miss her talent and generosity in the theater. But, it is her genuine laughter, and impish smile during Sunday brunch I will probably miss most. Sue M."

"I am totally speechless to learn of Kay's death! She was a classy lady and looked 15 years younger than the rest of us. I grew up with Kay in the Park Plaza/Longwood Drive neighborhood. I fondly remember walking and shivering with Kay to the school bus as we lugged our books, band instruments, uniforms, and lunch. I felt very honored to accompany Kay in band contests where she played the solo flute as she undoubtedly was so talented....and won 1st place in all the contests!! I have not seen Kay in years, but do recall seeing her momentarily in Canton several years after graduation. She looked like she never aged a day. I was so jealous. I wished I could be there to say goodbye, but am now living in Florida. Kay will always be in my heart and I will always have fond memories of her. I can still hear her laughter and telling me all about her travels and playing in various orchestras. Kay will be sorely missed and I am so sad for the family to have lost a loved one. My heart goes out to Kay's sister, Jean and her mom, Vivian. Please know I am so sad to learn of Kay's passing. I wished I could have talked to her in recent years. May God bless you and help you in your journey of grief."

"I was lucky to share two families with Kay, our Miss Saigon-Engineer Family and Lion King-Gazelle Family. She touched my life in so many ways. Her positive energy and fun spirit were always amazing to be around. My favorite memory of Kay was when I asked her, "when's your next vacation Kay?" and she responded by repeating the rest of the tour itinerary. She loved adventure and while we were in Minneapolis with Lion King we had lunch and toured the downtown. It was fun. I will miss her so much."

"Friends - I am deeply sorry to read of Kay's passing. I have not seen her for perhaps 45 years, but when we were growing up together in Canton, she left me with many happy memories of her constant good cheer and personal enthusiasm. I knew about only a little of her professional success, but, to judge from what I see posted here, it was remarkable and she, unsurprisingly, built an enormous circle of friends and admirers. I have thought of her many times over the years and wished we could have re-connected to catch up. I hope you will accept my sincere condolences on your loss of her vibrant presence."

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"I was so sorry to learn of Kay's death. Although it had been lots of years since we saw one another, I have many memories of our years in band together -- she in the first or second chair of the flute section always; me several chairs down from that... I still vividly remember when she came to band with a brand new VERY expensive flute that her dad had purchased for her. It even had one more key than the rest of ours did. I had followed some of her career and knew she was doing what she truly loved. Rest in peace, Kay. I know you're in heaven playing one of those heavenly flutes now and beaming with joy!"

"Kay was my mother's neighbor in Canton, we always looked forward to her visits and news updates on the theater scene. Noble and I send deepest condolences, she will be greatly missed. -----Barbara and Noble Stern Nashville, TN"

""Memories of Meeting Kay" We met Kay a few years ago when she gave us a backstage tour of "Lion King. The time she took with us that day has become one of our favorite moments that we continue to reminisce about. The best part was having her show us some of the many unusual and beautiful flutes she had collected from around the world. As Kay carefully opened the cases, it was clear, these were her "babies". Each came with an enthusiastic story. As she lovingly held and described each one, we realized that this one was her favorite at the moment. We parted ways feeling inspired and energized with such special memories of this time spent with her. The passion Kay had for playing and especially for her beloved flutes was something she had to share. We are so very grateful to Kay for her generosity in sharing with us her love of flutes and for "The Lion King". During her final days, without letting on that she was sick, she connected us with a colleague to arrange "Lion King" tickets for us again. When we found out of her passing, we were overwhelmed, realizing to the end she was sharing and giving. The performance we attend will be for Kay. We thank her from the bottom of our hearts and know that she'll be there with us! The Cole's, Billy and Mary Alice"

"What a tremendous loss of kindness, and talent, Kay and I spent many, many years working side by side-there was not a more gentle soul out there- Rest In Peace."

"Great photos!"

"I know how much Kay loved Hawaii and am so glad that she got to go back 2 years ago. I'll always cherish the bamboo plant that she and Lisha sent me when the Cheetah tour closed. Yes, I still have it after 7 years (not pictured...this is one in Hawaii)"

"Worked with Kay several times here in Chicago. What a marvelous, talented woman! Gonna miss her as a colleague and a friend."

"This is wonderful and I want to thank Ms McDuff for sharing, what a great tribute to a great lady. From her next door neighbors, Max/Cheryl Scott"

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"Sent a gift in memory of Kay Ragsdale"

"Sent a gift in memory of Kay Ragsdale"