Clara "Jean" Ragan

Clara “Jean” Ragan, 92, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Midland Hospice House, surrounded by love and compassion. She was born October 6, 1933, in Carmen, Oklahoma, to Robert and Lillian (Wilson) Fairbanks. Jean was a proud graduate of Carmen High School.

On May 26, 1955, Jean married Robert Harold "Bob" Ragan in Kiowa, Kansas. They cherished each other for 59 years. She devoted much of her early life to caring for their family as a homemaker in Argonia, Kansas. Once her youngest child entered high school, she began a new professional chapter of her life, working in insurance at the Wellington Hospital. A job move for her husband took her to Garden City, KS in 1978 where she worked in the Agricultural Extension Office. In 1988, Jean and her husband moved to Topeka where she continued her career with the State of Kansas serving in various roles until her retirement.

Jean was a faithful member of Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, where her faith and sense of community were central to her life. She enjoyed sewing, working puzzles, decorating for every holiday and keeping a well-stocked candy jar that was always a delight to her grandchildren.

Her husband, Bob, preceded her in death on November 18, 2014. Jean was also preceded in death by her siblings Wanda Rich, Raymond Fairbanks, and Annabelle Almond, her son-in-law, Jerry Taylor and grandson-in-law, Lance Willmann.

Jean’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children: Sandra Taylor of Longmont, Colorado; Marilyn (Darrel) Mainz of Topeka; Robert (Ann) Ragan of Indialantic, Florida; and Ronald (Becky) Ragan of Lawrence, Kansas. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Ragan Willmann, Jessica Mainz, Jason (Abby) Ragan, Kelli (Cory) Bernstine, Sara (Kevin) Yoder, Sean Ragan, and Scott (Campbell) Ragan; and nine great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews each of whom she deeply cherished. When Jean held a baby on her lap, her face would light up.

Jean will be remembered for her quiet strength, her unwavering devotion to family, and the love she so freely gave throughout her life.

Graveside services will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Kiowa, KS on February 28, 2026 at 11:00 in the morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, 8001Conser, Suite 240, Overland Park, Kansas 66204.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.