Judy L. Ragland

Judith Louise Soderlund Ragland
Judith Louise Soderlund Ragland was born on November 18, 1940, in Seattle, Washington, to Richard V. Soderlund and Eva Louise Soderlund of Bainbridge Island. Judy grew up on Bainbridge Island, where she attended school and developed a lifelong love of family, animals, and the outdoors.
After high school, Judy attended the University of Washington, where she studied pre-med and became a member of Tri Delta. There she met Lyle Bakken, and they married and began their family. Together they had four children: Kristi, Jeff, Karin, and Jay.
Judy and her children made their home on Spiritwind Farm in Issaquah, Washington. The farm was a place filled with horses, animals, hard work, laughter, and countless family memories. Judy operated a horse boarding facility and worked for more than 20 years at Alpine Animal Hospital, where her compassion and love for animals were evident in everything she did.
In 1981, Judy met Frank M. Ragland, beginning a new chapter in both of their lives. They were married on May 14, 1983. Together with Frank’s daughters, Michelle and Rachel, they built a loving blended family. Their lives centered around family, 4-H, horses, cows, and the many joys and adventures that came with country life.
In 1999, Judy and Frank moved to Ellensburg, Washington, where Judy continued to pour her time, energy, and love into her community. She was an active member of the Kittitas Cattlewomen, Master Gardeners, KVH Hospital, Life Support, and many other volunteer organizations and community efforts. Judy never seemed to ask whether she had enough time to help; if someone needed her, she found a way to be there.
Judy’s faith was at the very heart of her life. She was an active and devoted member of First Lutheran Church in Ellensburg, where she played the organ and faithfully served others. Among the many ways she lived out her faith was her work providing weekend nutrition bags for local elementary school children. Her faith was not simply something she believed—it was something she lived, through service, compassion, generosity, and love.
Above all, Judy will be remembered for her abundant love of family. She was a shepherd to her animals, a devoted wife and mother, a loving grandmother and great-grandmother, a faithful servant, and a friend to so many. She had a remarkable ability to make people—and animals—feel cared for. The lives she touched over the years are a lasting part of her legacy.
Judy is survived by her beloved husband, Frank; her children, Kristi Baumann (Tim), Jeff Bakken (Hollye), Karin Weihe (Dan), Jay Ragland, Michelle Ragland-Fleming (Eric), and Rachel Bihary (Josh); and her grandchildren, Taryn Gould (Greg), Trevor Baumann (Maddie), Tess Crouch (Adam), Tyler Ragland, Addy Bakken, JJ Bakken, John Bakken, Jacob Bakken, Lexi Weihe, Allie Weihe, Saddie Sheahan, Salma Sheahan, and Tim Sheahan. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Jax Wilder Gould, Levi Myren, and Rowan Myren.
Judy’s family and friends will forever cherish the love, wisdom, laughter, and memories she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
We give thanks to God for the life of Judy, trusting in His promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Though we grieve our loss, we find comfort in the hope of the resurrection and in the promise that, through Christ, death does not have the final word.
A memorial service celebrating Judy’s life and faith will be held at First Lutheran Church in Ellensburg on Friday, October 16, at 10:30 a.m. Light refreshments will follow in the community hall. Following the refreshments, family and friends are invited to The Cattle Barn in Cle Elum (980 Burke Road) at 1:00 pm for a reception to remember Judy and share stories of her life.