Born to Edith and Nelson Kelley, Ida spent a lot of her childhood at the City Market, where her father had a fruit and vegetable business. She grew up in the northeast part of Kansas City where, at age 14, she met and later married the man who would become her husband of 72 years, John A Ragan. They had their first child, John L. Ragan, just as John, Sr. went to serve his country during WWII. Ida raised John Lee until her husband returned and they had their second-born, Judith. Several years later, Ida was blessed with a third child, Janice. Raising her family was Ida's main purpose and source of happiness.
Ida loved traveling and attended many Allstate Insurance conventions with her husband. Ida was known for her independence and strong will. She unfortunately lost her eyesight mid-life, but never complained nor did it slow her down. She loved ceramics, and for a time ran a ceramics business from her basement with her daughter-in-law. She bowled at Mission Bowl with family and friends for years. She played the piano beautifully, and was the master of game shows and crossword puzzles. No one knew all the answers like she did. Her home was the family gathering place for all, and there were countless Christmas, birthday, and other celebrations. Blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren she was the definition of a "grand-mother." The laughter, joy, giggles, and advice she gave cannot be put into words. We cannot imagine life without her - all we can say is "We Loved Her More." In the last years of her life, Ida was lovingly cared for by her daughter Janice and husband Greg in their home, always surrounded by family and friends.
Ida was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John A Ragan; son, John L. Ragan; daughter, Judith Bird; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Robert Reynolds, and several other precious family members. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Greg Dyer; daughter-in-law, Nanette Ragan; grandchildren, Amy Ragan, Jennifer Ragan, John W. Evers, Kelley Beckhelm, Christopher Bird, Nicole Lawson, Jake Dyer and Joseph Dyer; and great grandchildren, John Austen Evers and wife, Taylor, Emilee Evers, Camden Beckhelm, Garrett Beckhelm, Kelley Lawson and Kayla Lawson.
The family would like to thank Crossroads Hospice for their care.
DONATIONS
Crossroads Hospice
Salvation Army
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18