Ella Ragland studied art in Lebanon, Missouri, as a member of the Art Association.  She created more than 200 oil paintings on a variety of media.  She preferred canvas board, but accepted commissions to paint on a variety of items.  She couldn't refuse a request to create a color oil painting, using an old sepia or black and white photograph on "Granddaddy's old saw" or "Momma's old pickle crock" or similar items.  The image on the right was taken around 1981, at a venue in Lebanon, Missouri.

Ella created the king size Heritage Medallion Quilt from vintage fabric as a gift for her oldest daughter.  The photograph shows the quilt at a show in Conway, Missouri, taken in the mid 1980s.

The oil painting of pink poppies turned up in Sutterlein, Oregon.  Thanks to Karen Schauer's efforts, the painting now is housed by one of Ella's daughters.  Prints and cards of this beautiful painting are now available for purchase. 

  Ella Ragland was born with the ability to play any musical instrument she chose - piano, organ, guitar, saxophone, recorder, harmonica.  Although she received no formal musical training, she could play melody and harmony on the piano and organ.  Music stayed with her years after Alzheimer's disease took her ability to create oil paintings.  The photograph on left shows her before her final confinment to a skilled nursing facility.  On Memorial Day, 2002, she again visited the Hough Chapel that her grandfather helped build.  She played several hymns with perfect melody, coordinated both hands with the foot pedals.  However, she did not recognize her sister (hands on right) nor her daughter and other relatives who applauded her final concert.  She died two years later of cancer and Alzheimer's Disease.  However, her legacy lives on in her art work, and many find memories of family and friends.

Proceeds from the sale of Ella's art benefits local Alzheimer's Disease research projects.