Rodney "Rod" Lamarr Ragan

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Rodney “Rod” LaMarr Ragan—beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, teacher, veteran, and friend—on June 4, 2025, at the age of 91.

Rod was born on January 25, 1934, in Shelley, Idaho, to Raymond Kenneth Ragan and Melba Miller. He spent much of his childhood in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and worked at his father’s drugstore growing up. He graduated from Rigby High School before attending Ricks College and Brigham Young University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He dedicated his career to education, teaching hundreds of students throughout the years. His children are still stopped by former students who call him their favorite teacher. Rod was known for letting kids chew gum and inspiring them to excel—his classes often led the school in Presidential Fitness awards.

Rod served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, spending over three years at sea. He deeply loved the Navy and spoke about his experiences until the end of his life. That same spirit of service continued throughout his life—in his work, his church, and his community. He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a proud member of the American Legion.

On February 2, 1957, Rod married the love of his life, Carol Anne Hansen, in Idaho Falls. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on February 20, 1958. Together, they raised six children and built a life full of adventure and love. They shared a passion for camping and spent many years riding dirt bikes and road bikes across the country. Their marriage was full of love, laughter, and teamwork. Together, they built a strong, joyful home for their children.

Rod loved making memories with his grandkids—working on cars, gardening, summer workbooks, and singing and dancing in the living room. He also spent hours on the floor playing board games with his kids, turning everyday moments into lasting joy.

Rod had a brilliant and curious mind and loved staying busy. He enjoyed tackling (but not finishing) home improvement projects, gardening, restoring tools, and tinkering with small engines. He loved genealogy and took great pride in keeping a well-manicured yard. He was a big fan of BYU football and basketball, and he had a great appreciation for art, golf, and chess. He never passed up a chance to tease those around him with a twinkle in his eye.

After Carol’s passing in 2007, Rod was blessed to find love and companionship again with Josephine Auger Erickson. They were married in 2007 and shared many meaningful years together with her family until her passing in 2024.

Rod is survived by his children: Lori Hansen (Marlin), Mark Ragan, Barbi Brunson (CR), Zach Ragan (Ronda), Cher McMaster (Peter), and Carrie Ragan (Joldy); his sister, Margery Houdyshell (Lynn); 40 grandchildren; and 68 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Melba Ragan; brothers, Raymond, Ronald, and Reed Ragan; and his wives, Carol Anne Hansen Ragan and Josephine Auger Erickson Ragan.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will follow at the Ammon Cemetery where Military Honors will be provided by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Navy Honor Guard.

Rod’s life was full of passion, dedication, and humor. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joyful living that will continue to inspire all who knew him.