Merle Ragsdale Inge

Merle Ragsdale Inge departed this life on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at the age of 91. Merle was the daughter of Jasper I. and Maggie Dean Slaughter Ragsdale. She was also preceded in death by her husband, LT COL (Ret.) Lynwood A. Inge. They had celebrated 55 years together at the time of his passing in 1998. Merle grew up on a large farm near Kenbridge, Virginia in Lunenburg County. She was the last survivor of 15 children. Merle was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Church Road, VA where she served as Membership Chairman for 30 years. She was a member of the Helen Williamson Circle and was affectionately known as the “Sunshine Lady” for remembering the sick and shut-ins with her cards and personal messages. Merle will be greatly missed by her devoted children: Allan Inge (Diane), Randy Inge (Nina), and Merilyn Winn (Sam), her 8 grandchildren: Rodney Inge (Debra), Lori Inge, Holly Austin (Steve), Ryan Inge, Randy C. Inge, Ashley Wells (Cary), John Winn (Elisa) and Courtney Rogers (Evan), and her 9 great-grandchildren: Reid, Nicole and Melynie Inge, Jack, Austin and Macon Wells, Leah Austin, Chloe Winn, and Benjamin Rogers. Merle touched many lives and was always willing to help anyone in any way she could. She loved her Lord and lived a full, productive and influential life. The family thanks all of those who helped her, cared for her, and brought a smile to her face. A celebration of love and life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at her home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Southlawn Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 4814 Courthouse Road, Church Road, VA 23833 or Petersburg Home for Ladies Fellowship Fund, 311 S. Jefferson Street, Petersburg, VA 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .