- Date Of Birth: April 18, 1935
- Date Of Death: May 8, 2016
- State: Idaho
Larry Ragains passed away peacefully Sunday morning, May 8, 2016, sitting in his favorite chair, reading his newspaper, planning his day, with a fresh cup of coffee at his side.
Larry was born April 18, 1935 into the Finnish community of Arling, Idaho to Mary Kantola Ragains and Wilbur Ragains, and began grade school in the Donnelly area in a one-room schoolhouse with numerous cousins. He worked alongside his dad, his brother Keith, uncles, and cousins on the farm. After he completed 8th grade, the family moved to Emmett, from where he graduated high school.
Larry married Barbara Fretwell, the love of his life, on November 23, 1952, in a small ceremony at the Fretwell home in Parma, and three years later purchased their home and farm on Sabin Road. In 1965, the family moved to Hoonah, Alaska, where Larry pastored for a year. The Tlingit Indians welcomed the family into their hearts and homes, and they became lifelong treasured friends.
For decades, Larry was an important part of Idaho’s farming and ranching industry.
Larry leaves behind his wife Barbara, daughters Susan Ness (Gene) of Parma and Salli Christensen of Caldwell, grandchildren Ben McCollough, Mili and Alex Christensen, Justin Ness (Annie), Brian Ness, and Stephanie Ness Ingalls (Jay), great grandchildren Donavin, Gavin, Chord, Khase, and a very special boy named Ragain, who brought great joy to Barbara and Larry.
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