Helen Ragan

Helen Ragan, 96, died Thursday, June 2, 2011, at Memorial Campus, Mission Hospitals. A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe Co., she was a daughter of the late M.L. and Ava Davis Maney. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack A. Ragan, sisters, Irene Garland, Mary Fair, Evelyn Snipes, Blanche Snipes, and a brother, Mel Maney. Mrs. Ragan's unconditional love and humility attracted people young and old to her. She was a woman of wisdom with a strong faith that was demonstrated by her many acts of kindness. She was a former member of the Haw Creek Garden Club, Basilica of St. Lawrence Altar Society, and the Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Mrs. Ragan leaves a sweet legacy of love and devotion to her family. She is survived by a daughter, Vivian R. Wakefield of Asheville; sons, Jacques A. Ragan and wife Susan of Apopka, FL and Edward L. Ragan and wife Brenda of Hickory, NC; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Curt Snipes, and a special friend, Gloria Winburn. The Rev. Fr. C. Morris Boyd will lead the Rosary at 6:45 p.m. Sunday in the Patton Avenue Chapel of Groce Funeral Home after which her family will receive friends. The Funeral Mass will be concelebrated by the Rev. Fr. Matthew J. Leonard and the Rev. Fr. Frank Seabo at 10:00 a.m. Monday at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. The Committal Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Green Hills Cemetery. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to her primary physician, Dr. James Ladd, for his tenderhearted attention and excellent care of their mother. Also, the family was greatly blessed by the compassionate professionalism of Care Partners, especially Annette Atkins, Susan Carlson, and Kim Sluder. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 102 Andrews Pl, Swannanoa, NC 28778.