Polly Ragon

Polly Ragon


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Nov 21st, 2015

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  • Death Date: Nov 21, 2015

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Biography: Polly Ragon died on November 21, 2015 at the age of 89. She is survived by her only child, Heartsill Ragon III; her granddaughters, Sydney Ann Ragon and Caroline Heartsill Ragon; and her daughter-in-law, Claudia Hopkins Ragon. She was born in Frankenmuth, Michigan; spent her childhood in Englewood, Colorado; raised her family in Fort Smith, Arkansas; maintained a professional career in Washington, D.C.; and retired in Little Rock; Arkansas. She was born on April 17, 1926 as Paulina Johanna Grahammer, the youngest of three daughters born to German immigrants from the quaint and ancient town of Giengen an der Brentz, located in Bavaria in Southern Germany. Her German mother, Emilie Klara Brender Grahammer, remarried James Self and the family raised their children in Englewood, Colorado Polly attended elementary and high school in Englewood, a suburb of Denver. She attended University of Colorado at Boulder and studied psychology. Upon graduation, Polly accepted a job in Fort Smith, Arkansas working for the government in administering psychological tests to the military at Fort Chaffee. She was recruited as a legal secretary thereafter, and met Heartsill Ragon, Jr. Heartsill was, at that time, the youngest member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, and was a prosecuting attorney. Heartsill?s father, Heartsill Sr., has served as a member of the United States Congress and was a federal district judge. Polly gave birth to her only child, Heartsill III, on May 4, 1956. As her young family grew, she became an avid golfer and tennis player. She was involved in numerous charitable and civic activities. She was an active board member of the local PTA, Girls Club and city library board, among the many organizations. She was especially proud of her role in assisting in the development of the new Carnegie Library facility in Fort Smith. After raising her family and the death of her husband, Polly reinvented herself and pursued her interest in policy and politics. When longtime family friend and then-governor Dale Bumpers decided to pursue a seat in the United States Senate, Polly became heavily involved in the campaign. After his win and in recognition of her volunteer service, Senator Bumpers offered Polly a job as a senior staff member. In this position, she coordinated his schedule and speaking engagements and was the regular tour guide to the numerous constituents who visited Washington D.C. over the decades. After 26 years in Washington D.C., Polly opted to move to Little Rock to oversee the family that her son and daughter-in-law Claudia were raising. Politics called again after Polly relocated to Little Rock. She became interested in the development of the Clinton Library and Foundation and was one of the original founding volunteers. Polly served as a volunteer throughout the conceptualization, development and construction of the Library facility, and worked in the Foundation office for a number of years. In recognition of her service and dedication, Polly was presented by President Clinton with the Foundation?s Volunteer of the Year Award. When not working or caring for family, Polly was an avid reader and could consume a number of detailed novels during the course of a week. She solved the daily cross word puzzles with nominal effort?and always in ink. Polly was a great believer in volunteerism. She always stated that her commitment to volunteerism set her life?s path, led her to an exciting life in Washington D.C., and allowed her to contribute the development of the Clinton Library and Foundation. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham Street, Little Rock.

Condolences(05)
Christie Dawson
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Heartsill, I just recently learned that your darling mother has left our earthly plane. As Massey mentioned above, her willingness to 'engage with me' as a young congressional staffer in Senator Bumpers' office is the only reason I was able to acclimate to DC and establish myself on a firm footing. I arrived in DC after the '86 campaign without a warm coat so Polly loaned me one of hers. (I don't think she got it back for several seasons but I never forgot her kindness). She helped me to sort out my job as the new receptionist on the Senate Small Business Committee and even gently reminded me when necessary to employ the possessive pronoun before the gerund. She brought excellence to her work every day and inspired many of the better work habits I have as well as keeping me from developing too many bad ones. I haven't see her a lot in recent years but I have missed her. She was a graceful, elegant, kind woman. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Randy Ney
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I remember Polly well from the days I lived on East Valley Road in Fort Smith. I remember her as being friendly and outgoing and always positive.
I send my deepest sympathy to Heartsill, who I remember as a young man, and to his family.
Becki and Chris Swindell
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Deepest sympathy to Heartsill. A beautifully written tribute to your mother.
David Hardin
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your mother on Saturday, Heartsill. She was a lovely lady and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you in this time of loss. Polly assisted me in coordinating with Senator Bumpers on various occasions involving matters such as my shuttling them both to and from the Fort Smith Airport, and those of immense benefit to me individually, to wit: Reccomending and referring me for educational and professional opportunities. For these and various other reasons, I am eternally grateful to have known her and call her friend.
Bill Massey
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I have very fond memories of Polly from our time working for Senator Bumpers in his Washington, DC office during the 1980s. She was a bright spirit in the office, upbeat, well versed in politics and current events, and engaging with new staff members. She was warm, personable and easy to get to know, skills still in demand on the Hill, and in any office setting for that matter. I enjoyed working with Polly. I am sorry to hear of her passing. My sympathy to her family.

Bill Massey

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