Martha M. Ragan, age 87, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday, January 12, 2016. She was born October 20, 1928, in Creighton, Missouri, to William and Viola Coke.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Viola Coke; first husband, V.W. “Slim” Baldridge; second husband, Tony Ragan; four brothers, Bill, Paul, Daniel, and Noble Coke; and sister, Amy Kloster.
She is survived by her daughter, Teresia Tierney and son, Gary Baldridge, both of Thayer, Missouri, and numerous nieces and nephews in Missouri and Arkansas.
Martha spent her entire working career in the restaurant business either as a waitress or a cook. She and her first husband, Slim, owned and operated Slim and Martha’s Café in Kansas City, Missouri. When Slim died in 1965, the restaurant became Martha’s Café, which she operated for 20 more years. She retired in 1985 and moved to Thayer, Missouri, with the second love of her life, Tony Ragan.
She will be sadly missed by her family and friends, but we celebrate a life well lived.
Graveside services will be Saturday, January 16, 2016, at 2:00 PM at Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri, with Kevin Hedden officiating.
Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Plains Regional Animal Shelter and may be left at the funeral home.