Mildred Agatha Leslie Ragland

Mildred Agatha Leslie (Millie) Ragland, 93, of Roanoke, left her earthly home to go to her Heavenly home on Monday, September 8, 2008. She was preceded in death by her parents, William (Bill) and Madie (Mae) Leslie; husband, Benjamin (Ben) Ragland; son, John (Billy) Ragland; daughter, Nancy Gaut Clark; grandson, Robert O. Ragland Jr.; and brother, William Ivil Leslie. She is survived by her children and in-laws, Bobby and Becky Ragland, Freddie and Connie Ragland, Doug and Betty Heptinstall, Randy and Joyce Rakes, Eddie and Ruby Ragland and Ben Ragland. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and their spouses, David and Gayle Ragland, Dale Ragland, Shannon Ragland, Dan Ragland, Bobby and Christy Heptinstall, Richard Heptinstall, Kristie and Courtney Coles, Anna Beth and Bart Isley, Cole Rakes, Tiffany and Jason Glassick, Laura Ragland, Brian Gaut and Katie Gaut. Her great-grandchildren called her "Millie" and she leaves behind 15 of them, Erica Ragland, Ashley Ragland, Corey Ragland, Jeremy Ragland, Paige Ragland, Megan Ragland, Parker Heptinstall, Brooke Heptinstall, Ty Heptinstall, Kaela Heptinstall, Rebekah Coles, Isaac Coles, Madison Glassick, Ryan Glassick, and Adam Gaut. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Ruby Leslie and Lorene Craig; brother-in-law and wife, Ronnie and Loretta Ragland; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mildred was so proud of the schools she attended, Pleasant View Elementary, Lee Junior, Madam Viaud and Salem High School. Another highlight in her life was her church. She joined Melrose Methodist Church in 1922 and was the oldest living member until it closed in 2002. She taught kindergarten classes and worked in the nurseries.
Mildred worked in the Roanoke City School Cafeteria for 16 years. The love of her life was children, her own and everyone else's and this was the ideal job for her, "helping those little children," she would say. When they would see her out in public they would call her grandma.
She was also a lifetime member of the Eastern Star-Electa Chapter.
Mildred lived on Hershberger Road for 89 years and in the same house for 72 of those years. She was known as a fixture there. Her children were a constant source of pride in her life. They also were very involved in her care. The last few years there were many special caregivers. Many thanks to Aida Baydou who was a companion in her home for almost three years. Mildred's family also appreciates the loving care she received from the 11 West staff at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Friendship Manor.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 2008, at Oakey's Downtown Chapel with interment to follow in Sherwood Memorial Park with the Rev. Dick Jones, Pastor Jeff Scott and the Rev. Bob Hutchins officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at Oakey's Downtown Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.