Sylvia Ragsdale, 65

Ragsdale, Sylvia, 65, of Spokane, left this life on Sept. 10, 2010, in Coeur d'Alene, to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ. Sylvia was born Jan. 10, 1945, in Buckley, Wash., to Goldie (Peterson) DeChand and Edlore DeChand. She was the seventh of their eight children and is survived by her younger sister Marla Langley. Sylvia put her trust in the Lord and led an active Christian life. She was a loving wife, mother, a patient grandmother and a caring friend. The memory of Sylvia is accentuated by the many hearts she touched through her generosity and kindness. She shared her smile and her time freely with family, friends, and acquaintances alike. Even when she was battling her own illness, her concern was for others. She ministered to those caring for her in her last days because she took her relationship with Jesus Christ seriously, even to the very end. It was His name that was on her lips as she neared her transition from this world to the next. Her body was failing, but her faith in Him grew stronger. We are all blessed to have known such a woman, may we continue her legacy of faithfulness in our own lives. Sylvia was a faithful wife to James Ragsdale of Spokane for 46 years. She is survived by her three children, son Jeff (Kim) Ragsdale, of Sioux Falls, S.D., daughter Kim (Eric) Mehringer of Coeur d'Alene, and son Greg (Tami) Ragsdale of New Baltimore, MI. Her nine surviving grandchildren are Keith (Heather) Heckman, Brittany Heckman, Hayley Mehringer, Kahryn Ragsdale, Slater Heckman, Kaylynn Ragsdale, Chloe Mehringer, and Grace and Lara Ragsdale. She was also the proud great-grandmother to newborn Ezekiel (son of Brittany and William). A celebration of Sylvia's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at ONE* Spokane, 15601 E. 24th, Spokane Valley. Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, 83835. Please sign Sylvia's online guestbook at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Hennessey Valley Funeral Home, 1315 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, WA, 99206.