Paula Loretta Ragsdale

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Paula Loretta Ragsdale, age 63, returned to her heavenly home on Saturday, July 15, 2017, after a valiant battle with a long illness.  Her devotion to family and firm belief in God supported her and gave her peace in her final moments of this earthly life.

Loretta was born November 15, 1953 in Springfield Missouri to Paul and Virginia (Kensinger) Baker.  She was immersed in a christian setting that would be her lifelong support from an early age.  She accepted Jesus as her savior at the age of 7 years old at Grant Avenue Free Will Baptist Church, with Grover Terry as the pastor.

Loretta married William “Bill” Ragsdale on September 20, 1974 after an 18 day whirlwind romance that many said would never last but was still strong at 42 years.

To this marriage, two children were born, Sarah and Ben.  Loretta helped raise her children with patience, discipline and humility.  From the very beginning, she dedicated her children to God and encouraged them to live in the ways of God and not the world.

Loretta had a variety of jobs including a beautician, factory worker, childcare provider to which she was known by her kids as Granny.  She loved each of them like they were her own.  But her most important job was the role of the Pastor's Wife.  Over their 42 years of marriage, Bill pastored at several churches where Loretta was by his side, visiting members in troubled times, sickness and even death.  Until the past few years, Loretta would sing specials, lead singing or anything else needed to make the church a stronger, better place.

Loretta is survived by her husband, Bill Ragsdale, daughter, Sarah Garcia and husband Edgar, son, Ben Ragsdale and wife Alycia, six grandchildren, Little Edgar, David and Alex Garcia, Faith Johnson, and Haydan and Huntar Ragsdale and one sister, Bonita Pratt as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Virginia Baker.

Those who were touched by her understood that the quality of her existence far exceeded the quantity of time she lived.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 10:00am at Fraker Funeral Home, 1131 State Highway A, Marshfield MO 65706 with burial following the service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 from 6 to 7pm at Fraker Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made in her honor to Fair Haven Children's Home, 3132 Fairhaven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757.

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