Billy Lee Ragan
Obituary
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, at his home in Santa Rosa, California, at the age of 80.
Born on March 29, 1945, in Salinas, California, to Rethil Faye (Taylor) Ragan and Thomas Austin Ragan. He grew up in Watsonville, California and graduated from Watsonville High School in 1964.
On May 15, 1965, Bill married the love of his life, Suzi (Susan Coverston). Their 60 year marriage is a treasure filled with loyalty, partnership and joy as they built their family and shared countless adventures together.
Bill was instrumental in the development of the modern spawn methods of mushroom growing and cultivation spanning 45+ years that included Oak Meadows Mushrooms, Inc. co-ownership and global travels leading projects through a unique talent, teaching and serving the industry world-wide.
A life entrusted to God through his son Jesus Christ, strength displayed in loving his family, and hard work weaved into his daily life are a source of comfort and legacy that we accept and continue to give freely and in honor.
Beneficiaries of his life and love are his wife Suzi and their three children Pamela Gregory (Ragan), Andrea Ragan and Kenneth Ragan and their families including Bill's pride and joy of six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." - Psalm 143:8
Published in The Pajaronian · January 9, 2026