Theresa M. Ragan

AUSTINTOWN - Theresa M. Ragan, 86, formerly of Youngstown’s west side, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, March 12, 2019, at Hospice House with family by her side.

Theresa was born May 6, 1932, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late William and Helen Dziechowski Nitupski, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a graduate of Ursuline High School and worked for many years for Dollar Bank, for National City Bank, and for PNC before retiring. In her younger years, she worked for Higbee’s Department Store in downtown Youngstown.

Mrs. Ragan was a member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown, where she belonged to the Ladies Guild.

She enjoyed bingo, Scrabble, bus trips to casinos, and travel to Las Vegas, Reno, and to New York. She loved baby-sitting her great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Mee Maw.”

Theresa leaves a son-in-law, John Starr of Austintown; four grandchildren, Kristen Heldreth of Austintown, Jeff Starr of Greensboro, N.C., Catherine (Frank) Donadee, with who she made her home, and Julie (David) Schaeffer of Hendersonville, Tenn.; six great-grandchildren, Aidan, Noah, Isabella, Casey, Ava, and Franklin; a sister, Lorraine Zbylut of California; and many nieces and nephews, who loved her dearly.

Theresa’s husband. John Ragan, passed away in 1982. A daughter, Lorrie Starr; a son, Mickey Ragan; and three sisters, her best friend and bingo buddy, Irene Koval, and Virginia Standefer and Rosemary Grider, are also deceased.

There are no calling hours, and private services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to  Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Theresa’s family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley, especially nurses, Renee and Tammie, chaplain Becky, and aides, Barb and Tanya, for the kindness shown and comfort given to Theresa and her family during Mrs. Ragan’s final hours. The care and compassion shown will be forever appreciated.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.