February 5, 1942 – May 11, 2020
On Monday, May 11th, 2020, Norma Jean Ragsdale (Stout) passed away in Turlock, California at the age of 78. Norma was born February 5th, 1942 in Sacramento, California to Ray and Constance Stout. Norma grew up in Denair, California where she later raised 3 wonderful children. She was a foster parent for 6 years and in that time she had many children that she took in and cared for as if they were her own. Norma had so much love in her heart for her children, but that love intensified when her grandchildren were born. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, she was so proud of each and every one of them.
Norma had a passion for reading and was known to read 3 or more books at a time. She would re-read her books over and over until they would literally fall apart. She especially loved reading to her grandchildren, her favorite book series to read with them was the Laura Ingalls series, all except Farmer Boy of course. (She said it was the only boring book in the series)
Norma was a beloved staff member at Keyes Elementary School for nearly 30 years, most of those years were spent as the school’s health aid. During her time at Keyes School many stories have been told that so many kids “faked” being sick just to come to her office for one of her world famous hugs.
In 2018 Norma began living in the Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation facility. She very quickly won the hearts of all her caretakers and the other staff members there. They became a second family to her and she loved them so very much. Many of them would go to her for one of those world famous hugs or when they needed a giggle.
Norma is survived by her children, Anissa Anderson, Lane Ragsdale (and his wife Heather Ragsdale), and Rosa Hallum; her grandchildren, McKenzie Anderson, Tucker Ragsdale, Jacob Hallum, Shania Ragsdale, Mikayla Hallum, and Dakota Ragsdale; her sister, Diane Gauldin; her brother Carl Stout; her nieces and their husbands Jennifer and Paul Doyle and Heather Swanson and Stan Sakry; and her best buddy, her poodle, Candy. She was preceeded in death by her parents, Ray and Constance Stout, her sister Phyllis Swanson, and 5 angel babies.
There will be a viewing for Norma at Allen Mortuary and a graveside service at the Hilmar Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
1111 E Tuolumne Rd.
Turlock, CA 95382
Or
Imagination Foundation
online at: www.imaginationlibrary.com
By Mail:
The Dollywood Foundation
111 Dollywood Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
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Rayla Collard says
May 19, 2020 at 5:13 pmNorma your abundance of love didn’t go unnoticed and won’t be forgotten. I am just one of many people who’s lives changed upon meeting you, I will cherish our friendship always!
Peggy says
May 19, 2020 at 3:20 amMy condolences to Norma’s family. It’s nice to know she’s at peace now. What a sweet, kind and caring big sister and momma. Bless her huge heart Most Sincere, Peggy
Marlene Parkinson says
May 17, 2020 at 1:48 pmCondolences to the entire Ragsdale family.Norma was such a special lady. May she Rest In Peace❤️Hugs and prayers fro her children, grandchildren and siblings.
Sincerely, Marlene Parkinson
Todd Anderson says
May 16, 2020 at 12:21 pmAnissa, Lane, McKenzie, and to all of Norma’s family: please accept my condolences on the passing of Norma. I was truly blessed to have known your mom and grandma, and I thank her for putting up with us as teenagers! Thank you for the wonderful memories Norma! I know we drove you crazy sometimes but I know you loved your daughter’s friends and want to say that I love you back! Thank you!
Louisa Allen says
May 15, 2020 at 11:54 pmCondolences to the family of Norma Ragsdale.She was a very kind lady to know . My special condolences to Lane her son who attended school in Denair with my daughter.
May Norma rest in peace.
Louisa Allen