Ione "Ike" Elizabeth Ragsdale

FARMINGTON- Ione "Ike" Elizabeth Ragsdale, 92 of Farmington, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday September 1, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born June 18, 1921 at Desloge, daughter of the late Arthur and Susie (Jarrells) Forshee. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Marion Arthur Forshee, and five sisters Helen Ruth Boggeman, Bernice Halter, Irma Jean Slinkard Norma Christopher and infant sister Loraine Forshee. Ione was united in marriage to James William Ragsdale, November 15, 1941 at Cantwell. She was a faithful member of the Esther Baptist Church serving and volunteering with her husband for over 40 years in various positions, a a teacher, secretary, and her favorite position, organist. At an early age Ione worked in the Famous Store in Flat River, was secretary at Desloge High School and an assistant in Dr. Margrider's office. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed reading her Bible, working with crafts, tending her roses and lilies, doing word puzzles and going fishing, especially with her sons. She was also a devoted St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan. She will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved her including her husband of 71 years, James W. Ragsdale, Sr of Farmington, a daughter Carolyn S. (Mrs. John) Ritter of Desloge, two sons, James W. Ragsdale, Jr. and wife Ruth of Deepwater, and Larry J. Ragsdale and wife Linda of Viburnum, eight grandchildren; Kenny (Traci) Ritter of Cape Girardeau, Kathy Lewis of Park Hills, Michelle Lehew of Farmington, Amanda Hiland of Jefferson City, Miranda (Brian) Stevenson of Newburg, Larry (Colleen) Ragsdale of Webster, Texas, Nicholas (Jessica) Ragsdale of Bettendorf, Iowa and Salinda Ragsdale of Loredo, Texas, Twelve great-grandchildren, Shannon Ritter of Jackson, Kaitlyn Thompson of Jackson, Jared and Kolten Ritter of Cape Girardeau, Kohl Lewis of Park Hills, Mason Lehew of Farmington, Brock and Aiden Hiland of Jefferson City, Tyler, Sean and Megan Stevenson of Newburg and Evan Sonora of Webster Texas, and one brother Ronnie Forshe and wife Susan of Bonne Terre, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Friends may call after 5 p.m. until 8 p.m on Thursday, September 5, 2013, at the Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory. Visitation will resume Friday morning after 9 a.m. at the Esther Baptist Church in Park Hills and continue until the time of the service at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jonathan Jones officiating. Interment will take place at the St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the American Heart Association or the Esther Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory. View tribute video, online obituary and share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com