Diana Michele Ragas

Diana Michele Ragas, 69, of Harvey, La, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026.

Diana was born on July 6, 1957 in Sanford, Maine to Judith Ash and John Schermerhorn.

After attending Blackford Highschool in Hartford City, Indiana, she entered into motherhood and the workforce. Through those next few years, family brought her to Chicago, then eventually to her final home in New Orleans where she remained for the rest of her living years. This eventually landed her in a career of being a legal secretary for almost 20 years. Through her company she became a volunteer to their HUGS program. She volunteered her time to special needs children’s events and became a known singing voice at their Special Olympics.

Outside of work, Diana had a real passion for music. She especially loved the years she spent with her dear friends, writing and singing in their band Silk & Satin. She found solace for many years, spending her nights sitting at the piano, writing and playing her own music. She loved being “Granny” to her grandchildren, and created special memories baking, making her Christmas candy, and taking trips for ice cream on a random weekend.

Those who knew Diana will remember her for her beauty, her outgoing personality, her passion for music, and her very talkative nature.

Diana is survived by her children, Alisa Heath (David); Ami Pappion (Jeremy); Ashley Williams (Billy); Devin Ragas (Elizabeth); Grandchildren, Braden, Jake-Ryan, Halen, Bronson, Trinity and Faith.

She is also survived by her mother Judith Ash, and beloved sisters, Nancy (Mike)Daetwyler; M’Lisa (Doug) Cavanaugh; Teresa “Terri” Buroker (companion Terry); Katrina “Katy” (Bill) Hancock; Elizabeth “Liz/Libby” Green; 10 Nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father John C. Schermerhorn; sister Dawn Schermerhorn; grandparents William Schermerhorn and Norma “Nana” Schermerhorn; grandparents Margaret Davis Jones, Lewis Davis, and David Jones.

Diana will be cremated and returned to a cherished place where her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the incredible staff at Luling Living Center who cared for Diana during her final days. Their compassion, kindness, and gentle care created an environment filled with comfort, dignity, and peace. During one of the most difficult times in our lives, they made an immeasurable difference, and our family will be forever grateful for the love and care they showed Diana and all of us.