Krista Lee Ragan

Krista Lee Ragan, 43, of Durham, NC died peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy of kindness. Krista was born August 3, 1979, in Ogdensburg, NY. She is survived by her mother Sandi, brother Steve, and her partner Eric.

After graduating from Canton Central School, Krista furthered her education at Castleton State College where she obtained her bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Forensic Psychology, and her Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology. Krista then moved to North Carolina, where she worked for 10 years for the North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, dedicating her time to investigating and researching pediatric deaths. Krista then moved on to work for the North Carolina Department of Mental Health, where she created and ran a statewide program for a behavior health crisis referral system.

Krista dedicated her free time as Research Director of the State Child Fatality Prevention Team, a team member for Safe Kids, and volunteered with the Art Therapy Institute. Somewhere in all of this she also became a published author and edited books for colleagues and friends.

Krista touched everyone she met with her effortless compassion, unending generosity, had an uncanny ability to understand people’s needs and know exactly what to do to brighten their days. She was a talented painter, seamstress, and counted cross-stitcher. She found immense pleasure in building Lego, working on puzzles, and watching British murder mysteries. Krista was loved by so many people and will be greatly missed. To honor her memory, her family asks for donations to be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or the Art Therapy Institute of North Carolina.