Lillian "Rose" Ragan

Lillian “Rose” Ragan, age 96, of Albia, IA, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at her home, under the care of her granddaughter, Kiley; great grandchildren, Isaiah and Myah; and EveryStep Hospice. Rose was born on November 19, 1927, in Indian Creek Township, IL, to William Anderson and Muriel Pauline (Gunter) Walker. She grew up attending school and graduated from high school in Indian Creek Township. In June of 1946, Rose was united in marriage to Harry “Bud” E. Carlson Jr. in Elgin, IL, and to this union, 5 children were born, Bill, Greg, Muriel, Doug, and Brian. Bud preceded Rose in death on September 28, 1977. On July 29, 1983, Rose was united in marriage to Blair “Richard” Ragan in Illinois, and gained 3 children, John, Sharon, and Victoria. Rose and Richard were blessed with 39 years of marriage prior to Richard’s passing on December 3, 2022. Rose worked for Burgess-Norton Manufacturing where she worked as an inspector in quality control. She then worked at Furnace Electrical for a short period of time before moving to Iowa where she helped Kate Brock in her real estate business. Rose also cleaned homes for 30+ years. Her most loved job of all was being a homemaker, raising her children and helping raise her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rose enjoyed being outdoors and vegetable and flower gardening. Rose was very nurturing, had a huge heart and was very generous. She was a caretaker for many family members over the years. She enjoyed visiting with others and never knew a stranger. Rose was an excellent cook and baker, known for her Sunday dinners, beef and noodles, and fried chicken. Rose loved the holidays and spending time with her family. Rose is survived by her children, Bill (Allison) Carlson, Greg (Cynthia) Carlson, Muriel Carlson, Doug Carlson, Brian (Diana) Carlson, John (Ligita) Ragan, Sharon (Chris) Dickenson, and Victoria Pae; 25 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; and 5 siblings, Philip E. Walker, Carol Becker, Becky Johnson, Regina “Fern” Johns, and Dena L. Hunt. Rose is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. Rose is preceded in death by her husbands, Harry “Bud” Carlson Jr. and Blair “Richard” Ragan; her parents, William and Muriel Walker; a granddaughter, Brittney Carlson; and 6 siblings, Beulah (Troy) Roberts, Walter Thornton Walker, Randall L. Walker, Cloyd W. Walker, Mary Bernadine Walker, and Sharon S. (Floyd) Sellers. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Rose’s family present throughout to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Father Mark Yates, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Georgetown. An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date.

Lillian "Rose" Ragan

November 19, 1927 - June 6, 2024