A celebration of the life of Esther Ragan will be held at a later date. The former Tekamah woman passed away, with family by her side, on March 6, 2024, in Omaha. She was 83.
Esther Irene was born April 24, 1940, in Greybull, Wyoming, the daughter of Darold (Pete) and Helen Dole.
She married her husband, Bobby (Bob) Ragan, on Nov. 19, 1957, in Sandpoint, Idaho, and moved to Dixon, California where they started a family. In 1972, they moved with their two sons to Tekamah where they lived for many years.
Esther was a member of the Baptist church and had a successful dog grooming business. She was also active with the Burt County Museum, creating many contributions to the Fur and Feathers Fashion Show including a beautiful, lined cloak made out of the velvet curtains from the school auditorium that is still on display today in the museum. Her love for sewing was also portrayed through many elaborate costumes she lovingly made for her grandchildren over the years. Esther took so much pride and joy in her sons and grandchildren.
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She enjoyed the gift of giving, each year making elaborate Easter baskets not only for her own grandchildren but also to children in her neighborhood, among other things.
Anyone who met Esther knew she loved all things “Grand and Glorious.” This was shown in her beloved antique shop that she ran for many years in Sagle, Idaho.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Ethel Dawson.
Esther is survived by her husband Bob of 66 years; two sons: Ron (Deb) Ragan, Scott (Shelly) Ragan, and four grandchildren: Sarah (Patrick) Olson, Elizabeth (Kenneth) Latoszek, Nick (Kara) Ragan, Mitchell Ragan, and four great-grandchildren; sister Daroldene Lewis (Dole); and brothers: Warren (Susan) Dole and David Dole.
Memorials are suggested to Burt County Museum, 111 N. 13th St, Tekamah, NE 68061.
Condolences may be sent to the family at 4614 S. 175th Ave, Omaha, NE 68135.