Vella “Jean” Raglin
HARRAH - Vella Jean Raglin, 88, of Harrah, OK, passed away on April 20, 2021. Vella Jean was born on Christmas Eve of 1932 to Thurman Rhodes and Jewel Richardson in their home in Oklahoma City, the oldest of three children.
Vella Jean graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1950 along with her future husband James Raglin. James enlisted in the Navy, as it was wartime, and Vella soon followed him to Chula Vista, CA, where they were married on December 27, 1951.
After four years in California, Vella and James moved back to Oklahoma, where she helped put her husband through college, while working to support their growing family. In 1963, they moved to their final home in Harrah, OK, where Vella taught a Sunday School Class for decades. She mentored many young women at FBC Harrah with her passion and knowledge of the scriptures. Her lifelong devotion to Christ guided her throughout her entire life. She worked tirelessly in her community, while also managing a continually growing family.
She was never an idle person, always working to further the pursuits of others and fulfill the cause of Christ. She loved to garden and toiled the red clay until the sun went down. She was forever in search of a bargain, whether that was at a garage sale or a 2 for 1 sale at a local retail store.
Vella shared a life-long friendship with her “Forever Friends”. Over the years, they spent many mornings gathered around the table, sharing a cup of coffee and talking about family, all the while growing in their love for each other. They enjoyed day trips together to numerous places, antiquing, crafting and many other common interests.
Vella was a homemaker by trade and she epitomized what it meant to build a loving and caring home for her children and grandchildren. Her thrift and charity, her strength and kindness, and her own works will praise her at the Gates of Heaven.
She is preceded in death by her husband James, her parents and her brother Tommy. She is survived by her brother Bill Rhodes, her five children; James Michael Blankenship (Debra), Michael Duane Raglin (Arlene), James David Raglin (Anita), Linn Denise Probasco ( Jeff ) and Jonathan Andrew Raglin (Sara), 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and one great great-grandchild; isn’t that great!
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 26, 2021, at First Baptist Church, Harrah, OK. She will be laid to rest at Dale Cemetery 36406 Westech Rd. Shawnee, OK).
Services are under the direction of Asa Smith Funeral Service in Harrah, OK. Tributes and condolences may be posted on the funeral home web-site www.asasmith.net