Barbara Elizabeth (Stolz) Ragone, age 60 passed away peacefully after a long battle with Ovarian Caner on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at her home in Sumner, Michigan surrounded by her family. She was born on August 2, 1962, in Alma, Michigan to Ronald W. Stolz and Doratha Hicks Stolz Merchant.

Barbara grew up in Alma where she graduated with the class of 1980 from Alma High School. During her junior year of high school, she joined the USAF using the delayed enlistment program. Barbara left for active duty in October of 1980 and served over six years as a USAF Security Policeman. Her first duty assignment was at Bolling AFB in Washington, DC where she met the love of her life, David. She would recall all her life that the five years spent there were among her happiest.

After her honorable discharge from the USAF, Barbara spent a few years at home raising her children. In 1989 she took a job with FedEx where she worked for 28 years. She loved being in customer service, it was truly her strength and calling.

Barbara married David Ragone in Alma, Michigan at the Alma College Chapel on June 12, 1982. They were blissfully married for 40 years.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Ron and her beloved pet Buddy.

She is survived by her soulmate, David; her sons, Douglas Ragone (Sarah Evitts Ragone) of Fowlerville, Daniel Ragone (fiancé Jocelyn Hodges) of Harbor Springs; daughter, Denise Ragone Smith (Christopher Smith) of Harrison; mother, Doratha; brothers, William Stolz (Mary Vasilko Stolz), Robert “BJ” Stolz (Kimberly Green); grandchildren, Dante, Lincoln, Willa, Vincent, Dani; mother-in-law, Susan Brown Ragone; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Barbara spent most of her life taking care of her family as they were her greatest joy. She was born to “mother” and cared deeply for all creatures great and small. Her constant four-legged companion for many years Buddy was a source of much happiness for Barbara. In her last few years Barbara reconnected with friends and family she had not seen in many years by handwritten notes, letters, cards, visits and phone calls. She would like to be remembered as “Kind.” Barbara asked for your smile in the place of tears when you think of her.

In lieu of flowers donations can de made in Barbara’s memory to the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, from 12 to 3 pm at the Alma VFW, 1302 Wright Ave, Alma, Michigan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Barbara’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com