Obituary of Myrtle Irene Ragsdel

Myrtle Irene Clark was born in Bell County, Kentucky on August 16, 1938.  She was one of eight children born to the union of George Albert Clark and Nellie Jane (Brown) Clark.  As a child she was stricken with rheumatic fever and so she had very little formal education.

In 1958, she married the love of her life, Paul Jerome Ragsdel. The couple was blessed with the birth of two children. Myrtle cared for the needs of her husband and children as a devoted homemaker.  The family made their home in Michigan, as Paul took employment with General Motors.  When he retired after thirty years of service they migrated back to Benton.  Myrtle was also very supportive as her husband volunteered twenty-eight years with the Ross Aurora Fire Department.

Myrtle was very active with the Union Ridge Baptist Church in Benton, Kentucky and of the Aurora Homemakers.  She was an avid lifelong fan of the University of Kentucky Basketball program.  She enjoyed fishing with Paul, crafts such as making quilts and ceramics, and gardening.   The thing she enjoyed the most however was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and brothers.

Myrtle Irene Clark, age 84 of Benton, Kentucky passed away tragically while visiting family in Michigan as the result of an automobile accident on Sunday; April 30, 2023 at Beaumont Hospital in Trenton.  Her passing was preceded by her parents; three brothers; a sister, and a son-in-law:  Edward Haase.

To cherish her memory she leaves two children: Ricky (Kristine) Ragsdel of Monroe and Tammy Haase (Ronnie Whiteside) of Jackson, Michigan; three brothers:  Reverend Freeman (Jewel) Clark, Theo (Kathy) Clark, and Marion (Dorothy) Clark all of Kentucky; five grandchildren: Chadrick J. (Angela) Ragsdel of Carleton, Nicholas Ragsdel of Coopersville, Michigan, Chelsea (Steve) Korzeniewski of Belleville, and Eric Haase (Jessica McNally) of Richmond, Michigan, and Tabitha Haase (Eric Davis) of Adrian, Michigan; five great grandchildren: Briella Ragsdel, Sydney Ragsdel, Charley Davis, Maggie Korzeniewski and Annabelle Haase.

Friends may gather from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Saturday; May 6, 2023 at Union Ridge Baptist Church; 1013 Union Ridge Church Road; Benton, Kentucky.  A Celebration of Her Life will follow at the church at 1:00pm.  Reverend Jack Kee will officiate.  Burial will then take place at the Union Ridge Cemetery.  Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with her care.

Memorials for those who desire are suggested to the Union Ridge Baptist Church.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.