Anton "Tony" Ragland

Anton "Tony" Ragland, 65, of Cottonwood, CA, died Tuesday, May 17, 2011 in Great Falls at his son's residence of heart disease and lung cancer. Tony passed away peacefully at the home of his son Kevin Ragland surrounded by his family. Tony was born November 30, 1945 in Great Falls, MT and spent his youth and formative years there. His fondest memories as a child were spending time on the Centerville farm of his grandparents, George and Bernice Heal. He loved working the farm with his cousins and uncles, especially his uncle Bill Heal, whom he referred to as his "big brother". The family moved to Spokane, WA and then on to Petaluma, CA. Tony graduated from Petaluma High School in 1964. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College. In 1965, he met and married Wanda Bishop when they both were employed by the State Farm Insurance regional office in Santa Rosa, CA. Tony always longed to be back in Montana, and moved back in 1967. He worked as a ground man, progressing to a journeyman lineman in the power line construction industry, the business in which he would spend the rest of his working career. Tony reluctantly moved his family to CA due to lack of work in Montana in his profession. He was employed by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. until his retirement in December of 2010. Besides his wife of 45 years, Wanda, Tony is survived by his three sons, Kevin (Shelley) Ragland of Great Falls, Brian Ragland of Missoula and Allen Ragland of Great Falls. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Tessa, Kevin Jr., and Hannah and one great granddaughter, Kiana Oyobio. Other survivors include sisters; Pat (Ron) Feige, Loretta Alton, Kathy (Ron) Shields, Sharon Ragland, Davida (Mike) Hryszko, as well as brother Dan Ragland and five nephews and four nieces. Tony enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with his family, but mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family and loved being a grandfather and great grandfather. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home. A celebration of his life was held at Holy Spirit Parish in Great Falls at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday May 21, 2011 Memorials may be made to the family home at 20548 Linda Lane, Cottonwood, CA 96022. Condolences to the family can be left at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com