"Isaiah 25:18 'He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away from the tears from m all faces.'"
In loving memory of
Rhonda Ragen
June 29, 1963 - February 25, 2016
Lovey Ragen
Rhonda Lovey Ragen, 52 of Eldon, passed away peacefully at her home on February 25 after a brief battle with cancer. Lovey was born on June 29, 1963 to Nina Marie Saner and William Eugene Knox in Ottumwa, IA. As the youngest of four daughters, she learned early on how to smile and have a good time. To know Lovey meant to know her quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and her contagious smile. Lovey was a 1989 graduate of IHCC Nursing Program and truly loved her career in nursing, working her last shift on February 1st of this year. Lovey married Ernest Ragen in 1979 having two children, Anthony Jay and Andrea Marie. They later divorced. In 2000, Lovey met her best friend and companion Richard Ash. She absolutely loved her time spent on the river. She enjoyed fishing and was an avid adventurer. Lovey is survived by Richard Ash, children Anthony (Amber) Ragen, Andrea (James) Fowler, Sisters Norma (Ron) Ragen, and Sherri Knox, grandchildren Emma Strayer, Olivia Fowler, Hazel Ragen, several nephews, a niece, and many special friends including Charity Ash, Tabitha (Andrew) Brown, Faith (Danny) Ferguson, Zach, Ashton, John, Tyler, Devon, and Trevor. Proceeding her in death are her parents and beloved sister Teresa Hemminger. A celebration of life gathering has been planned for Friday March 4 at the Wapello County Fairgrounds beginning at 5:00 PM. Celebrate Life Iowa was entrusted with Rhonda's cremation care.
Tributes
"Anthony, Andrea, and Families, Working with your mom at Jefferson County Hospital was a true joy! She was a great person, which shined in her being a great nurse. Keep the memories close, and they will comfort you in the days ahead. You were her best accomplishments! With heartfelt sympathy, Roxanne Power"