Linda Kathleen Ragatz

The following obituary is being republished to provide corrected information. LINDA KATHLEEN (KANYUH) RAGATZ, 60, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005. Born April 3, 1945, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Kutsch and John Merrill Butler. "Linda warmed up any setting with her gregariousness, her charm., her gift for hospitality, and her infectious trademark laugh." She loved the culinary arts and was a gifted gardener. She earned an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice at IPFW and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice at IUPUI. After several successful careers and following her retirement, she enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Ivy Tech State College Northeast and earned an Associate of Science degree. Her drive and enthusiasm were an inspiration to many... She was an adult probation officer in the 70's and the first female counselor at the men's work release center, in Fort Wayne. She had three fulfilling careers in sales and, marketing with Fort Wayne Newspapers, Syntex Labs Pharmaceuticals, and Glaxo-Wellcome Pharmaceuticals. She was noted for her volunteerism and leadership skills with many organizations. This led to her selection as Woman of the Year with the Meridian Chapter of the American Businesswomen's Association as well as a Top Ten Businesswoman national award. She received a YWCA tribute to Women of Achievement award and was one of the first Hoosiers to receive a Distinguished Hoosier Award from Governor Mitch Daniels celebrating her significant service on many fronts. She received many awards at the local and state level in recognition of her activities with the American Cancer Society over a more than 25 year period. She loved republican politics and was active as a precinct committee woman; she also organized numerous political fund raisers and participated at the regional and state levels. Her volunteerism was a tremendous asset to Indiana University School of Medicine-Fort Wayne Center, Fort Wayne Medical Society Alliance, and Aboite Lutheran Church. She loved to travel and was devoted to her husband, Barth H. Ragatz, who survives, her children, and her grandchildren. "Linda touched many lives and was an inspiration to all who knew her." She is also survived by her sons, Timothy (wife, Cindy) Kanyuh, and Kevin (wife, Heather) Kanyuh; stepson, Matthew (wife, Elizabeth) Ragatz; her five treasured grandchildren, Eva, Gavin, Ryan, and Ashley Kanyuh, and Ezra Ragatz; siblings: Constance Cumbey, Max Butler, Janice (Geiger) Baum, Doris Lemert and Joel Butler. She was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Butler. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Monday at Aboite Lutheran Church, 10312 Aboite Center Road, viewing one hour prior. Pastor Rich Pagan officiating. Viewing also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road. Interment in Concordia Gardens Lutheran Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home or the Culinary Arts Program at Ivy Tech State College Northeast, Fort Wayne.