Mary Joanne Ragan, 87 of Farrar, died Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines.

Mary Joanne (James) Ragan, 87, passed away Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Taylor House in Des Moines.

Mary was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa to William "Carl" and Adra (Litten) James, but lived most of her life in Farrar, Iowa. She finished school in Lineville, Iowa, where she met and married the love of her life, Wendell H. Ragan in May 1954. To this union five children were born: Wendell "Ben" Jr. (Joan), Russell (Teri), Kevin (Connie), Ken (Marilyn), and Marlene. Mary was a great mother, caretaker and giver to her family and many others. Mary was left to raise this family by herself at the age of 39 when Wendell passed away unexpectedly in 1976. This tragedy did not stop her in life's path. Mary loved Jesus and was a member of the Bondurant Federated Church. She worked 20 years at the Farrar School where everyone loved her cooking, and then worked at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. She also worked at a few nearby hotels doing housekeeping and cleaning houses in her spare time. Mary enjoyed tending her flower and vegetable gardens and shared her bounty with many. She enjoyed traveling and took many family vacations and took trips to include Hawaii, Alaska, Norway and the Bahamas. Mary was loved by all, friend to many and took lots of children under her wings that loved her and called her "Mom" or "Grandma."

Besides her 5 children, Mary will also be greatly missed by her 9 grandchildren: Kevin, Jr. (Heather), Nick, Mathew (Stephanie), Amanda (Tank), Andrew (Rylee), Jeni (Kenny), Tiffany (Andrew), Jeff, Laura (Mark); and 12 great grand girls: Magan, Mollie, Mandi, Madyson, Chelsea, Della, Ava, Eden, Adra, Ruby, Alivia, and Clara.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her siblings.

Special thanks to the staff at Taylor House for helping fill her last days with comfort and love.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Bondurant Federated Church (103 2nd Street SW) in Bondurant.  A funeral service will 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023, also at the church.  Burial will follow at Farrar Cemetery near Maxwell.

A luncheon will be served at Bondurant Federated Church following Burial.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com