Ruth J. Ragonese, 98, Who Helped Make Bedford Prosper Is Remembered

Ruth J. Ragonese, 98, peacefully passed away on the 17th of August surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home in Tucson, AZ. She was born on the 20th of April 1926 in Port Chester. She lived a long, fulfilling life in Bedford Village (since the 1930s), marked by her dedication to family, community and animals.

From the family of Ruth Ragonese.

“Ruthie” was the beloved wife of Walter, who predeceased her, passing away in March 1997. Her husband was volunteer fire chief and whose family owned the Bedford Shell Station property for over 60 years beginning in the 1930s. She leaves behind four children: Barbara Moss Haydock (Tim Haydock), Janet Ragonese, Walter Ragonese and Julia Ragonese-Barwell (Jay Barwell); two granddaughters: Jessica Barwell Altenburg and Sofia Ragonese-Faturos; and two great-grandchildren: Apollo and Leia Altenburg. She was also devoted to her blended extended families of 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and her numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. They all brought immense joy to her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Ruth lived in the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River in the early 1930s before moving to Bedford Village while her father, Karl Johnson "the big Swede," built much of the reservation’s infrastructure as a foreman for the Civilian Conservation Corps during the depression. Throughout her life and up to her final days in Bedford, she visited the reservation as often as possible, as it held a special place in her heart.

Both Ruth and Walt attended a two-room schoolhouse in the 1930s where Bedford Elementary School now stands, and they both graduated from Bedford Hills High School in 1944. She tap-danced, played the violin, and loved drawing and painting, especially landscapes. She attended Brenau College in Georgia, as well as Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School, and worked for Hobart Lewis at the Reader’s Digest prior to raising her family in Bedford.

Later in life, Ruth traveled to Europe and to Mexico, made several trips back to Norway, where she lived with her family as a young girl. She also made numerous trips to Russia and Arizona, where she visited her grandchildren.

Ruthie was known for her love and kindness to animals. In addition to taking in many stray and injured animals, she contributed to several animal rescue organizations. For thirty plus years, she diligently cared for a cat colony on a property in the center of Bedford Village. She volunteered to clean up the BRLA trails, where she loved to walk. She was a frequent participant at Bedford Fire Department events and a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church since she was a teenager.
Ruth touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity. Her legacy of unconditional love, strength and compassion will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She was a strong woman with a gentle soul. We are grateful for the caregivers in Bedford and Tucson, AZ who so lovingly cared for her during the past few years. We are comforted to know that her spirit has joined with her beloved husband, brother, sister, parents, nieces, numerous relatives, friends, and pets who loved her. She will be deeply missed.

A service to honor Ruth’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 7 at the Bedford Presbyterian Church on the Village Green. There will be a Celebration of Life Gathering at the Bedford Historical Hall following her interment at the Bedford Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, or the animal rescue organization of your choice in memory of Ruth Ragonese.