Florence Huntington Bullock Ragan, which the Utah Valley University Ragan Theater is named after, passed away September 15, 2011, incident to age.
She was born in Springville, UT on March 2, 1919 to Orral Race and Golda Martha Buell Huntington. While growing up on a farm, daily tasks consisting of milking cows and bailing hay instilled a strong work ethic in Florence.
She was an extremely motivated girl, determined to leave the farm to pursue her business endeavors. When she was 17 years old she moved to Provo, UT where she worked as a successful retail manager at stores such as Steven’s and Lerner’s. On November 11, 1956 she started Bullock’s Jewel Box which later turned into Bullock and Losee Jewelers.
On January 6, 1942 Florence married George Afton (Joe) Bullock, who later died of cancer on February 21, 1968. She has two daughters, JoAnn B. Losee and Judy B. Stratton.
On November 3, 1969 Florence married Bradley E. Ragan and lived with him in Spruce Pines, North Carolina. Florence and Bradley spent much of these 12 years traveling the world until Bradley died in a private plane crash over Utah Lake in Provo on December 21, 1979.
Florence is recognized for her endless service and support of local and civic organizations, especially UVU (UVCC).
Ragan’s daughter, JoAnn has also been a huge source of support for the University. On September 23, 2011, the new Losee Center for student success was opened thanks to the donations made by the Losee family.
JoAnn also provided the donations used to build the Ragan Theater, which is used for concerts and lectures, and asked that it be named after her mother, Florence, in remembrance of her continuous hard work and support.
“I don’t think a lot of people know about Florence.” said John Bullock, Ragan Theater manager since 1996.
She was also a charter member of Riverside Country Club where she was head of the financing, and served on the UVU (UVCC) Foundation Board.
A solid education was important to Florence and she received an Honorary Degree from UVCC.
UVU students and faculty, benefit from the many donations made by Florence. From September 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007, UVU received donations ranging from $1,000-$4,999; and from January 1, 2008 to April 30, 2008, UVU received donations ranging from $5,000-$9,999.
The University now remembers Florence Ragan through the “Florence B. Ragan Endowment Scholarship Fund” and the Ragan Theater, which Bullock has seen 153,000 people attend with various events so far this year.
“It – the theater – has been a blessing.” Bullock, said.
Her friends and family say Florence was dedicated to education, hard work, and helping others. The motto she lived by was “what you don’t spend, save, but remember to help someone on the way.” She loved to golf and spent most of her time with friends and family, and according to Bullock, up until 2004, she would personally attend events held at the theater.
A funeral was held on September 23, 2011 at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel in Provo, UT. Florence was survived by daughters and son-in-laws, JoAnn Losee and husband, Richard D. Losee; Judy Stratton and husband W. Mensel Stratton; brother, Fredrick O. Huntington and wife, Carol Kuhni; 4 grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and nine great-great grandchildren.
Upcoming events held at the Ragan Theater include the Holladay Executive Lecture and the John Schmidt concert.
By Melissa Lindsey
News Writer
