July 21, 1932-June 7, 2024
Charlotte “Sharley” Lou Ragen was born July 21,1932 to John Williams and Loretta Murray Williams. She joined brother Bill in Radersburg Montana and on her 14th birthday, brother Tom completed the family.
Sharley attended the Radersburg School and graduated from Broadwater County High School in Townsend Montana.
On December 27, 1952, Sharley married John Ragen. Patti was born in November 1953 and Dan in October 1954. The family of four began their life of spending seven months a year on their ranch on Ray Creek in the log home John built. The other five months were spent, joined by Uncle Eddy Ragen, at thoroughbred racetracks in Spokane, Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina. After John became racing secretary in Saskatchewan, Sharley became his secretary. She also worked at several businesses in Townsend.
Sharley was a board member and eventually board president at the Broadwater County Historical Museum from 1993-2011. With all those Williams and Ragen family roots, Broadwater County history is deep in our hearts. Sharley was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, the Broadwater Cattlewomen and loved her time with her church ladies. She and John were also involved in the restoration of the Canton Church, a church that John’s great grandparents helped build in 1876. Sharley will be laid to rest at the Canton Cemetery beside John.
Sharley was preceded in death by her parents, John and Loretta Williams, husband John Ragen, brother Bill Williams as well as many dear family members and friends.
She is survived by daughter Patti Schwisow(Paul) of Missoula, son Dan Ragen(Marleena) of Townsend, brother Tom Williams(Judy) of Toston, grandchildren Erin Thorsen(Pat) of Havre, Tyler Ragen(Devon) of Bozeman, Mike Schwisow(Mackenzie) of Missoula, and Travis Ragen(Kayli) of Townsend. Sharley was dearly loved by her great grandchildren Luke and Sam Thorsen and Gracie, Jace and Jack Ragen. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends.
Donations in Sharley’s name can be made to the Broadwater County Historical Museum, PO Box 614, Townsend MT 59644 or Radersburg Historic Preservation, PO Box 96, Toston MT 59643.
A celebration of Sharley’s life will be held at The Radersburg School on July 23, 2024 from 3:00-7:00.
Patti has long believed that heaven is a lot like the old River Inn. They are all up there having a good time and we know Sharley is on that dance floor.
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Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Susan Webb Mayer says
So very sorry for your loss. My Mother and Sharley were great friends. Always up to something.
John & Carol Masolo says
So sorry to see this. Sharply was always so friendly and outgoing. You’re in our thoughts.john
Clayton McElravy says
Patti, Danny and families, I am sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom as very caring and friendly as we were growing up.
Janet Jones says
Wonderful Lady who at one time in our lives was a fairly close neighbor up Ray Creek. She lived a ggod life and will be missed by many. J.L. Jones and Janet
Diana Beaulieu says
Patti and Danny, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful women and will be greatly missed. Prayers go out to you and your families!
My deepest sympathy,
Dee-Dee (Walker) Beaulieu
Kay Ingalls says
I am really sorry for your loss. Sharley worked at the Museum some of the time ithat I was there and she was really fun and supportive! She was a trove of historical information! She was a great sounding board and told me and taught me a lot about family life and marriage too. In 1998 when we adopted our daughter I was not sure I could work and have Ellie there with me. She (and Rose) assured me it would work well. When I brought her in, my first day back, Sharley had “outfitted” the office with a wooden playpen and lovely bedding for my new daughter to nap in. She subbed for me when I needed it too. I enjoyed her stories of ranching and horse racing. Later, when we didn’t see each other that often, we loved the times we bumped into each other in town and had time to talk or catch up over lunch. What a great woman! Although we were not always close, I loved her a lot and will miss her!