Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
May 15, 1950 - Apr 5, 2018 (Age 67)
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to family and friends. It's times like these when the loving promises of our Heavenly Father such as knowing that we can see our loved ones again can bring us comfort and soften some of the pain we feel in our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13, 14
April 18, 2018
I send my sympathy to your family. I remember his great sense of humor when Ben was in fourth grade!
Sonja Jones
April 09, 2018 | Greenup, IL
Ben left a lasting impression on me 38 years after leaving LLC as a student. He was a leader, not only as an instructor, but as human being. I laughed as much as I learned in his presence. My heart was touched-and still is.
Marie Finney
April 09, 2018 | Westfield, IL
Sure gonna miss this sweet man. Prayers for you and your family, Jan. No need for those Colts socks now! Love you.
Charlotte Norris
April 08, 2018 | Casey, IL
Sending our deepest sympathy...
Bob and Kathy Augustine
Bob and Kathy Augustine
April 08, 2018 | Washington, DC
Ben and Jan Ragle were among our first friends as a married couple. We shared many events in lives as a young couples. Ben was later our son's advisor at Land College. We are so blessed to have known him in our lives.
Patricia Gillenwater
April 07, 2018 | Effingham, IL | Friend
His smile and laugh will be missed by many students.
Priscilla Wilson
April 07, 2018 | St. Cloud, FL
Ben was a huge influence on me. A tremendous teacher and a guiding force for so many. I still code COBOL, and use what he taught me 26 years later. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Richard Ruscin
April 06, 2018 | Galesburg, IL | Student
Janet, Heather, Benji and family, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Ben's passing he was a great man. I love you guys and you are in my prayers.
Bonnie Mcnulty
April 06, 2018 | Chicago, IL | Family
CHARLESTON, IL – Benny Ray Ragle, age 67 of Charleston, passed away in the comfort of his home while surrounded by loving family on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church located at 921 Madison Avenue in Charleston with a Vigil Prayer Service beginning at 7:45. The Funeral Mass honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 9, 2018 at St. Charles with Father Hyland Smith presiding. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Lake Land College Foundation or St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Gifts may be left at the visitation or funeral mass or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Ben was born May 15, 1950 in Danville, IL to the late Harley and Bonnie (Chaney) Ragle. He married Janet McNulty on June 24, 1972 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Left to cherish his memory is Jan, his loving wife of 45 years; two children, Benjamin (Melissa) Ragle of Lockport, Illinois and Heather (Jim) Kuykendall of Charleston; four grandchildren, Benjamin A. Ragle, Lily Ragle, Alex Kuykendall and Andrew Kuykendall; and a brother, Harley Ray (Janet) Ragle of Wilson, North Carolina. In addition to his parents he was preceded by a sister, Penny Ragle.
Ben was a graduate of Danville High School. He attained an Associate’s Degree from Lake Land College and both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Eastern Illinois University. Ben returned to Lake Land, this time not as a student, but as an instructor and later an academic advisor. It was a tenure that he would enjoy for the next 32 years. Ben will always be remembered for his passion for the college and concern for its students and was honored with a position on the Lake Land Wall of Fame for his lifetime of achievements.
Ben was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Charleston Council #4024. He was also involved with several community organizations throughout the years. His membership to the Charleston Country Club allowed him to enjoy his love for the game of golf.
Ben loved his family dearly and his grandchildren were near and dear to his heart. They will forever treasure their many fond memories of special times shared with this loving husband and devoted father and grandfather.
Read More