Mary Elizabeth Ragland, 60, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at her residence after a long battle with cancer.

    Mary was born in Kirksville, Missouri, on March 5, 1951, the youngest of four children of James W. and Catherine “Kack” Sandknop Ragland of Edina, Missouri.

    She attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and graduated from the Knox County High School Class of 1969.

    In July 1971 she moved to O’Fallon, Missouri and worked as a teacher’s associate in the O’Fallon School System in Wentzville, Missouri. She found her true calling when she enrolled in St. Mary’s Nursing College, graduating with honors as a Registered Nurse. Following graduation she was employed as a RN, working in several Doctor’s Family Practice Clinics. She continued in this capacity until her illness prevented her from working.

    Mary is survived by her beloved spouse of over thirty years, Jerry Sylvara of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; sisters, Kaye and her husband Phil Bloom of Enon, Ohio, Annie Eyler of Dallas, Texas; brother, Jim and his wife Roselea Ragland of Iowa City, Iowa; along with three cousins, ten nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews.

    Mary will best be remembered for her love and joy of life, sense of humor, compassion, musical ability and love of family and friends, with a special love for her pets. She never met a stranger or passed an opportunity to help when needed. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

    A Memorial Mass will be Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edina, Missouri by her friends and Father Bill Kottenstette and Father Joseph Hoi.