Doris Eleanor Ragsdale

She was born on October 25, 1921 in Kiowa, Colorado, to Rodney O. and Ida N. Thrasher. She had one sister, Juanita Price, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Westminster High School, and was married on July 3, 1941 to Melvin A. Ragsdale.

As a child she lived in Joes, Colorado, Arvada Colorado, and subsequently moved to Westminster, Colorado, where she met the love of her life.

After they were married, Mel enlisted in the US Army. After boot camp, he was stationed in Florida. He was stationed in Calcutta, India, where most of his term was served. Doris was left at home to care for the family.

Doris and Mel were avid bowlers and travelers. In 1989 she won first place all events in the Senior Ladies Bowling Tournament. Their favorite destination was Hawaii, enjoying 13 trips. When she was 74 years old, and he was 76, the 2 of them went parasailing together. They enjoyed dancing, and in general they just enjoyed being together. When they had been married for 64 years, Mel passed away. Two years later, at age 85, she experienced her first balloon ride in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

She is survived by her children, Terry Ragsdale, Janet Thompson (Jack), Randy Ragsdale (Diane), Rod Ragsdale (Susie), and Kerry Ragsdale (Mona), 17 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren (with an expectation of 3 more this year). She loved and adored every one of them, and the last few years of her life there was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with any or all.

There will be a public viewing at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd. from 9 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday, April 25.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 26, from 1 PM to 2 PM at the funeral home. The funeral service will follow in the chapel at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at 3:00 in Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery.