Ellen Mason (Custer) Ragan

Ellen Mason (Custer) Ragan, 57, of North Manchester, IN, died Sunday, December 12, 2021, at home, under Hospice care, surrounded by family and love.

She was born August 10, 1964, in Huntington, Indiana to Hugh “Doc” and Rebecca Land Custer, who preceded her in death. She married Randy Ragan on April 7, 1990, in Orangedale, Florida. After graduation from Huntington High School in 1982, Ellen moved to Florida and worked in the hotel industry where she met her husband, and had two sons. In 2000, daughter Sarah Mason Ragan died at birth.

In 2007 her family moved to North Manchester, where she worked in the North Manchester Public Library, and for the past ten years has worked at the Wabash Carnegie Public Library.

Survivors include husband, Robert Daniel "Randy" Ragan, two sons, Jonathan Daniel Ragan, and Michael Elijah Ragan, of North Manchester. Brothers, Steve (and his two sons) of Tucson, AZ, Sam (Alice and one son) from Markle, IN and another son from Elgin, TX. A sister, Janet Mason Custer Burchett (and her three daughters and four grandchildren) from Eugene,OR.

Ellen had a wry sense of humor, tender heart, and "she had fire." She is a two-time cancer survivor. The first was discovered the year Michael was born and she powered through. Later, in Indiana, she battled breast cancer. This is Ellen: The doctor, talking about how the cancer would likely wind up in the other breast. Without batting an eye, she says "Take 'em both." It was Non-Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis that led to her death.

She had such courage and is an inspiration to her family and friends by being so strong. In the hospital, when she learned that she would not be able to get a liver transplant, she made peace with it and was calm and ready to go home.

There will be no service until spring at the Maple Grove private family cemetery, where there will be a small, simple memorial.

The Ragan family is grateful for the love and support from our friends, neighbors, and community. Ellen's co-workers at the library were flexible with all her medical appointments and shorter hospital stays, with such compassion. She passed with her Wabash Library blanket comforting her. We also thank all of the doctors, nurses, and staff from the Parkview Hospital system, and also our local EMTs/Police/Fireman who have been to our home many times. All of you were just wonderful.

The family has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.

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