Biography: Jana Kaye Wells was born on November 18, 1972 to Paula and Haynes Ragsdale in Dardanelle, Arkansas. She died August 20, 2023 at UAMS ICU, surrounded by family and friends. From childhood she brightened many lives with her compassion, mischievous wit, strong opinions, and boundless love.
Jana gave great care to cat Coozane and dog Princess Polly Prissypants. She made frequent trips to local nurseries and farmers markets, constantly adding new colors of peonies to the front step and hanging baskets to the back balcony. She delighted in watching Adam tend the muscadines, plant a new tree, or battle weeds in the vegetable garden. They even tried to become beekeepers. She was a wonderful homemaker and hostess, adorning her beautiful table with dishes of special foods and centerpieces from her flower garden. Her home was in celebration mode every holiday. Always sharing her culinary talents, she created MOW, “meals on wheels,” delivering to her friends and family whether they needed it or not.
A feisty Sand Lizard, Jana graduated from Dardanelle High School. She attended Arkansas Tech University and Baptist Hospital’s nursing program in Little Rock, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She had a twenty-four-year career in Little Rock as an accomplished RN.
Jana was predeceased in death by her parents; grandparents Paul and Golda Byrom and Rosa and Anderson Ragsdale. She is survived by her husband, Adam Colin Wells; children Conner and Paul Malone; sister Tracie Mathis (Gary); nieces Amber Lowder (Thomas) and Kaylee Hefner (Tia); stepmother Susanne Ragsdale and family; and Adam’s parents Craig and Shawneen Wells, and Ann & H. Austin Grimes.
A visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a memorial service officiated by Kate Alexander of Christ Episcopal Church, in the Ruebel Chapel at 11 a.m. Interment will take place in the St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church Columbarium. Charitable contributions should be made to St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Christ Episcopal Church, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
I am very sorry for your loss. She left the world too soon